Independent Driver Agreement

1.1 No Employment Relationship: You acknowledge and agree that you are an independent contractor operating your own independent transportation business. You are NOT an employee, agent, partner, or representative of Ride Rescue. Nothing in this Agreement creates an employment, agency, partnership, or joint venture relationship between you and Ride Rescue.

1.2 Independent Business Operation: You have the sole right and obligation to:

• Set your own rates, schedules, and service areas
• Accept or decline any transportation requests
• Determine your own business methods and practices
• Operate your business as you see fit
• Provide services to other platforms or customers
• Hire assistants or subcontractors at your own expense

1.3 No Control by Ride Rescue: Ride Rescue does NOT control, direct, supervise, or manage your transportation services, business operations, or daily activities. We merely provide a directory listing service where you can advertise your independent transportation business.

1.4 Tax Obligations: As an independent contractor, you are solely responsible for all federal, state, and local taxes, including income tax, self-employment tax, and any other applicable taxes. Ride Rescue will NOT withhold taxes from any payments or provide employee benefits.

2.1 Full Vehicle Responsibility: You acknowledge and agree that you are FULLY and SOLELY responsible for your vehicle, including but not limited to:

• Vehicle ownership, lease, or rental costs
• All maintenance, repairs, and servicing
• Fuel, oil, and operating expenses
• Vehicle registration and licensing
• Safety inspections and emissions testing
• Cleaning and detailing
• Replacement parts and accessories
• Depreciation and wear-and-tear

2.2 Vehicle Safety and Condition: You are solely responsible for ensuring that your vehicle:

• Is safe, roadworthy, and properly maintained
• Meets all applicable safety standards and regulations
• Is clean, presentable, and in good working condition
• Has all required safety equipment and features
• Passes all required inspections

2.3 Vehicle Modifications: Any modifications, upgrades, or alterations to your vehicle are your sole responsibility and expense. Ride Rescue has no obligation to reimburse you for any vehicle-related expenses.

2.4 No Ride Rescue Liability: Ride Rescue has NO responsibility, liability, or obligation for your vehicle, its condition, maintenance, or any vehicle-related expenses or issues.

3.1 Mandatory Insurance Coverage: You MUST maintain, at your own expense, valid auto insurance coverage at all times that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements for your state, including:

• Liability Insurance: Meeting or exceeding your state's minimum liability coverage requirements for bodily injury and property damage
• Comprehensive and Collision Coverage: As required or recommended for your vehicle
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: As required by your state law
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): As required by your state
• Additional Coverage: Any additional insurance required by your state or local jurisdiction for providing transportation services

3.2 Insurance Verification: You agree to:

• Provide proof of current, valid insurance upon request
• Maintain continuous insurance coverage at all times
• Notify Ride Rescue immediately if insurance lapses, is cancelled, or expires
• Ensure your insurance policy allows for or covers transportation services (check with your insurance provider)
• Update your insurance information whenever your policy changes

3.3 Primary Insurance Responsibility: Your personal auto insurance shall be PRIMARY and shall cover all claims, damages, injuries, or losses arising from your transportation services. You acknowledge that Ride Rescue does NOT provide any insurance coverage for you, your vehicle, your passengers, or third parties.

3.4 Insurance Claims: You are solely responsible for:

• Filing and managing all insurance claims
• Paying all deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses
• Dealing with insurance companies and adjusters
• Resolving coverage disputes
• Premium payments and policy renewals

3.5 Commercial Insurance Recommendation: While not required, Ride Rescue strongly recommends that you consult with your insurance provider about obtaining commercial or rideshare insurance coverage to ensure adequate protection when providing transportation services. Personal auto insurance policies may not cover commercial activities.

3.6 Suspension for Non-Compliance: Ride Rescue reserves the right to immediately suspend or remove your directory listing if you fail to maintain valid insurance coverage that meets your state's minimum requirements.

4.1 Compliance with All Laws: You agree to comply with ALL applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances, including but not limited to:

• Transportation and for-hire vehicle regulations
• Traffic laws and motor vehicle codes
• Commercial driver licensing requirements
• Business licensing and permitting
• Tax laws and reporting requirements
• Labor and employment laws
• Consumer protection laws
• Accessibility and ADA requirements
• Background check and safety regulations

4.2 Required Licenses and Permits: You are solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining all required licenses, permits, and certifications, including:

• Valid driver's license
• Commercial driver's license (if required)
• For-hire vehicle permit or license
• Business license
• Vehicle registration
• Any other permits required by your jurisdiction

4.3 Background Checks: You authorize Ride Rescue to conduct background checks, driving record checks, and criminal history checks as required. You agree to provide accurate information and consent to such checks.

4.4 Violations and Penalties: You are solely responsible for any violations, citations, fines, penalties, or legal consequences arising from your transportation services or business operations. Ride Rescue has no liability for your legal violations.

5.1 Full Indemnification: You agree to INDEMNIFY, DEFEND, and HOLD HARMLESS Ride Rescue, its officers, directors, employees, agents, affiliates, and partners from and against ANY and ALL claims, demands, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs) arising from or related to:

• Your transportation services or business operations
• Your use of the directory platform
• Vehicle accidents, incidents, or collisions
• Personal injury, death, or property damage
• Your conduct, actions, or omissions
• Your vehicle's condition or maintenance
• Your violation of laws or regulations
• Your breach of this Agreement
• Claims by passengers, third parties, or other drivers
• Insurance claims or coverage disputes
• Employment-related claims or disputes
• Tax obligations or liabilities
• Intellectual property infringement
• Data breaches or privacy violations

5.2 Defense Obligation: You agree to provide a complete defense to Ride Rescue in any legal action, claim, or proceeding covered by this indemnification, including retaining qualified legal counsel at your expense.

5.3 Settlement Authority: Ride Rescue has the right to participate in the defense of any claim and to approve any settlement. You may not settle any claim without Ride Rescue's prior written consent.

5.4 Survival: This indemnification obligation survives the termination of this Agreement and your use of the directory platform.

6.1 Professional Conduct: While providing transportation services, you agree to:

• Conduct yourself in a professional, courteous, and respectful manner
• Provide safe, reliable, and quality transportation services
• Maintain a clean and presentable vehicle
• Comply with all passenger requests and preferences (within reason)
• Protect passenger privacy and confidentiality
• Avoid discrimination based on race, religion, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics

6.2 Prohibited Conduct: You agree NOT to:

• Operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Engage in reckless, dangerous, or illegal driving
• Harass, threaten, or harm passengers
• Discriminate against passengers
• Misrepresent your services or credentials
• Engage in fraudulent or deceptive practices
• Violate passenger privacy or confidentiality

6.3 Removal from Directory: Ride Rescue reserves the right to remove your listing from the directory at any time, for any reason, including violations of this Agreement or complaints from passengers.

7.1 Directory Listing Fees: You agree to pay the applicable directory listing fees for your chosen membership tier. Fees are non-refundable and must be paid in advance.

7.2 Direct Payment from Passengers: All payments for transportation services are made directly between you and your passengers. Ride Rescue does NOT process, collect, or handle any transportation service payments.

7.3 Rate Setting: You have the sole right to set your own rates, pricing, and payment terms for your transportation services. Ride Rescue does not control or dictate your pricing.

7.4 Payment Disputes: Any payment disputes between you and passengers must be resolved directly between the parties. Ride Rescue is not responsible for mediating or resolving payment disputes.

8.1 Agreement Term: This Agreement begins when you submit your driver application and continues until terminated by either party.

8.2 Termination by Driver: You may terminate this Agreement at any time by removing your listing from the directory and ceasing to use the platform.

8.3 Termination by Ride Rescue: Ride Rescue may terminate this Agreement and remove your listing at any time, for any reason, with or without notice.

8.4 Effect of Termination: Upon termination:

• Your directory listing will be removed
• You must cease using the Ride Rescue platform
• All indemnification obligations survive termination
• No refunds will be provided for unused listing fees

9.1 No Liability for Transportation Services: Ride Rescue has NO LIABILITY whatsoever for any claims, damages, injuries, losses, or disputes arising from your transportation services, vehicle operation, or business activities.

9.2 Directory Platform "AS IS": The directory platform is provided "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" without warranties of any kind. Ride Rescue makes no guarantees regarding platform availability, functionality, or results.

9.3 Maximum Liability: Ride Rescue's total liability under this Agreement shall not exceed the amount of directory listing fees you paid in the twelve (12) months preceding any claim.

10.1 Entire Agreement: This Agreement, together with the Terms of Service, constitutes the entire agreement between you and Ride Rescue regarding your use of the directory platform.

10.2 Modifications: Ride Rescue may modify this Agreement at any time. Continued use of the platform after modifications constitutes acceptance of the updated Agreement.

10.3 Governing Law: This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of [Your State], without regard to conflict of law provisions.

10.4 Severability: If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full force and effect.

10.5 No Waiver: Failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision.

10.6 Assignment: You may not assign this Agreement without Ride Rescue's prior written consent. Ride Rescue may assign this Agreement at any time.