Zachary is joined by Michael Urban, an engineer who focuses on the forensic evaluation of vehicular collisions; product and material failures; automotive design, development, and testing with Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc. 

Zachary and Michael examine the current state of the autonomous vehicle industry and predict timeframes for getting Level 3 vehicles on the road in the US.  Part 1 highlights include:

• The vastly different approaches to technology progression  between car manufacturers and Silicon Valley execs.
• What is holding the US back from getting fully autonomous vehicles on the road? 
• Michael's experiences as a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) On-Road Autonomous Driving (ORAD) committee and SAE’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Committee.

Be sure to join us next week for part 2 of this discussion, where Zachary and Michael review AV's impact on accident reconstruction.

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Proposition 22—the controversial ballot initiative that allowed rideshare companies to keep classifying drivers as independent contractors rather than employees—was passed in November of 2020. Last month,  a California Superior Court judge ruled that Prop 22 was unconstitutional.

In part 4 of our gig economy series, Zachary Pyers and Kenton Steele will discuss the following questions:

• What led to the creation of Prop 22? Who supported it? Who was against it?
• What are the provisions of Prop 22?
• What is the current status of Prop 22?
• What impact does this legislation have on the gig economy as a whole?

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The rise of the gig economy (bolstered by the COVID-19 pandemic) has led many to consider expanding America's current employee / independent contractor employment classification system. This "third way"  — neither classifying workers as employees nor independent workers — would allow gig workers to receive some benefits, but not become full employees.

In part 3 of our gig economy series, Zachary Pyers and Kenton Steele will discuss the following questions:

• Why is a third classification needed for gig workers?
• Who is in support of this idea?
• What impact would a third classification have on employment law and tort liability?

Visit our website for information about our legal services related to emerging technologies.

The use of gig economy platforms (such as Uber, Doordash, and Fiverr) has grown at an explosive rate. Torts and employment disputes arising during gig economy transactions are becoming a regular occurrence. In part 2 of our gig economy series, Zachary Pyers and Kenton Steele will discuss the following questions:

• What is the gig economy and what types of tort claims arise from gig economy transactions?
• Which aspects of the gig economy can complicate employment law and tort liability?
• What is the relevant regulatory framework and how does this framework impact tort litigation.

Visit our website for information about our legal services related to emerging technologies.

Non-traditional and freelance work is rising exponentially. Between 25-35% of American workers participate in the gig economy. What factors are leading to this free-market system's explosive growth? In part 1 of our gig economy series, Zachary Pyers and Kenton Steele will define the gig economy and analyze its rapid growth. 

Visit our website for information about our legal services related to emerging technologies.

Apps, artificial intelligence,  and smart devices have transformed the insurance industry. These technologies have accelerated the application, underwriting, and claims processes while providing insurers with more consumer data than ever before.

Today, Zachary Pyers and Kenton Steele will analyze how insurers are utilizing technology in the application, underwriting, and claims processes.

Visit our website for information about our legal services related to emerging technologies.

Today, Zachary Pyers and Kenton Steele continue our series on technology's impact on the insurance industry with an analysis from three perspectives: carriers, agents, and consumers. Technological advances have streamlined the underwriting and claims processes, making the experience smoother for clients. However, the use of apps and social media have also evoked potential security risks. 

Visit our website for information about our legal services related to emerging technologies.

Zachary is joined by John Kinkopf, President at Haudenschild Agency, a combination financial and insurance advisory company based in Northeast Ohio.

Zachary and John examine how the insurance industry is evolving to meet the demands of emerging technologies such as ridesharing, Airbnb/Vrbo, and cybercrime. Part 2 highlights include:

• Types of Airbnb coverage and potential risks to hosts and guests.
• Telematic data trackers recording driver safety to inform insurance rates.
• New ways to communicate with clients, prompted by COVID-19.

Visit our website for information about our legal services related to emerging technologies.

Zachary is joined by John Kinkopf, President at Haudenschild Agency, a combination financial and insurance advisory company based in Northeast Ohio.

Zachary and John examine how the insurance industry is evolving to meet the demands of emerging technologies such as ridesharing, Airbnb/Vrbo, and cybercrime. Part 1 highlights include:

• John's role as president evolving with changes in technology.
• Challenges of insuring rideshare drivers through the phases of driving, opening the app, and starting their rideshare ride.
• Informing customers and marketing new types of coverage for cybercrime/ cyber theft.

Visit our website for information about our legal services related to emerging technologies.

Zachary is once again joined by Melanie Irvin, Counsel at Branch Insurance, a new and quickly-growing insurance company based in Columbus, Ohio. 

In part two of their conversation, Melanie and Zachary discuss how Branch stands out among the wave of insurtech companies. Aside from providing a frictionless and efficient buying process, Branch is also public benefit corporation in process of becoming a Certified B Corp. Melanie reviews Branch's 501(c)(3), SafetyNest, which provides financial assistance to people who are un- or underinsured. Finally, they discuss Branch's research partnership with The Ohio State University.

Visit our website for information about our legal services related to emerging technologies.