Protecting your paratransit business at every turn.
Paratransit services have become an essential part of public transportation, especially for individuals with disabilities. Driving paratransit vehicles, whether they’re equipped with wheelchair lifts, stretchers, or are designed for ambulatory passengers, comes with unique challenges and responsibilities. Safety regulations vary by state and are constantly evolving to meet the needs of riders.
Paratransit, non- emergency medical transport, and ambulance drivers must not only operate their vehicles safely but also be well-versed in passenger safety procedures. One of the biggest challenges in the industry is safely loading and unloading passengers, especially those in wheelchairs or stretchers. Striking the right balance between passenger safety and efficient transportation is a delicate task.
More than Safe Driving: Mitigating Paratransit Risks
To reduce claim expenses and improve overall safety, NEMT operators should implement several key measures and policies — and actively enforce them.
Operators should be aware and consider the benefits of:
Drivers must correctly secure wheelchairs and stretchers
to prevent accidents and injuries during transit. While
many NEMT operators have written and standardized
protocols in place, the challenge lies in following the
best practices each and every time. Tight schedules and
the variability that comes with driving people make it
tempting to breeze through the safety procedures when
timing is tight, but skipping steps or moving quickly can
expose an operator and business to substantial risk.
Guidelines for passenger behavior, including compliance
with seat belt usage, should be visible and clear. Signage
must be ADA compliant, and including safety-related
messages in multiple languages can also be helpful.
Drivers must be trained in managing unruly passengers
and supported if an issue arises.
Investing in comprehensive driver training programs to address safe driving techniques, handling sudden stops, and
providing care for fragile patients during transit is a smart choice. While investing time and resources into creating,
documenting, implementing and training drivers on safety measures may initially impact billable time, these investments
offer notable long-term benefits. Fewer accidents, injuries, and liability claims mean NEMT operators are focused on their
passengers’ safety — always a top priority. Safer passengers lead to fewer claims, and every paratransit company wants to
avoid any and all claims that could cause their auto insurance premiums to rise.
Cameras can capture what happens on the road and within the interior of the vehicle. If cameras are not already installed in
an NEMT vehicle, consider this as your sign to make this a priority as soon as possible. Video recordings that show real-life scenarios, passengers and activities can help drivers better understand how to handle and react to certain situations.
Video footage can become invaluable evidence in case of incidents or claims.
Our transportation specialists allows paratransit professionals to focus on what they do best – managing their team, building their business, and transporting passengers. MD Financial Solutions has partnered with “A” rated carriers to offer our clients a high-quality program that protects the distinct needs of their business.
Coverages Provided:
- Commercial Auto Liability – protects your company against third-party liability claims derived from an auto accident.
- Hired Auto Insurance – protects your company in the event you hire, lease, rent, or borrow a vehicle under a verbal or written contract to service your business.
- Non-Owned Auto – covers your company in the event that one of your employees uses their vehicle to conduct transportation business on your behalf.
- Uninsured Motorist – pays for bodily injury claims for your passengers when your vehicle gets involved in an accident, whereas the other vehicle carries no auto liability. insurance.
- Physical Damage –indemnifies you for damages done to your vehicle in the event of a theft or accident.
Protects you and your business if a passenger is injured or your business’s operations accidentally cause property damage, copyright violation, etc.
- Abuse and Molestation NEMT companies frequently work with vulnerable passengers. Lawsuits alleging abuse or molestation can incur substantial costs, including defense fees, settlements, judgments, and more. This coverage helps cover these costs, protecting the financial stability of your business.
- Loading & Unloading – typically covered under a general liability policy and is required to protect your business in the event your driver accidentally or negligently caused physical injury to your passengers during loading or unloading of any person to or from the vehicle.
Also known as errors and omissions is designed to protect NEMT companies from claims arising from mistakes, errors, or negligence in the performance of their professional services, such as:
- Medical errors or omissions
- Breach of contract
- Negligent transportation
- Privacy violation
Also known as Umbrella, provides additional protection beyond your primary liability insurance policies. For paratransit companies, this can be crucial to safeguard against significant financial losses in the event of a catastrophic accident or lawsuit.
Provides coverage for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages for employees who are injured or become ill at work.
Industry insight:
As paratransit insurance specialists that truly understands the unique needs of the operators, policy premium can vary based on several factors, including:
- Your company’s location
- Travel radius
- Drivers’ driving history
- Value of the vehicle(s) and attached equipment in your fleet
- Vehicle’s age and model
- Your company’s claims history
- Certifications (First-Aid, CPR, PASS, etc.)
- Owner experience level in the industry
- Vehicle maintenance procedures
- The type and limit of coverage needed
Let us help you navigate the paratransit landscape:
Recommended Certificates:
- Defensive Driving
- CPR
- First Aid
- Passenger Assistance
- Non-Medical Emergency Training
- Emergency Vehicle Evacuation
- Proper Wheelchair/Stretcher Securement Procedures
