July 20, 2023 | Reading Time: 6 min With the expansion of ridesharing services, there has been a growing concern about the qualifications of those who drive for Uber or Lyft. Potential rideshare passengers and other drivers are understandably invested in whether or not an Uber or Lyft driver can work for a rideshare company with a bad driving record.
While Uber and Lyft do have restrictions for their drivers based on their driving records, this does not preclude the risk of a rideshare driver causing a serious accident. At Cellino Law, not only are we familiar with the most recent rideshare accident laws and regulations, we have protected numerous injured clients’ right to seek compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
With our extensive history of successful settlements and top-notch negotiating skills, our team is the clear choice when you have been injured by a negligent Lyft or Uber driver. You can take advantage of a free case evaluation with a highly-qualified rideshare car accident attorney when you reach out to us at (888) 888-8888 or use our online form to schedule an appointment.
Rideshare Companies Can Be Found Negligent for Hiring Dangerous Drivers
Rideshare drivers are legally considered independent contractors, but Uber and Lyft know that they can potentially be held liable for negligent hiring practices if a rideshare driver with a bad driving record causes a car accident. To reduce their potential exposure to rideshare accident lawsuits, both companies have implemented certain standards for their drivers.
Despite safeguards enacted by both Uber and Lyft, rideshare drivers can still exhibit negligent driving behaviors that result in car accidents regardless of their driving record.
Driving for a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft presents additional opportunities for stress and distraction beyond what the driver of a personal vehicle is subject to, which can increase the risk of a rideshare accident. For instance, rideshare drivers are motivated to complete rides as quickly as possible, which can lead them to drive more aggressively or recklessly.
They are also accountable for their efficiency and attitude not only through a rating system within the app but also in terms of the tips they receive. Additionally, they have to contend with unfamiliar paths while managing navigation through their phone. Rideshare drivers must also attempt to focus on the road while dealing with disruptive passengers.
This combination of factors can lead to dangerous distracted driving behaviors among rideshare drivers, regardless of their prior driving record.
Uber’s Driving Requirements for Rideshare Drivers
Uber runs a background check on applicants before they are approved to be drivers. This includes looking at any criminal record they may have and eliminating anyone with a felony conviction. It also ensures the applicant is not on the sex offender registry in accordance with New York law. Uber also requires that the applicant have a valid driver’s license, at least a year of driving experience, valid plates, insurance, and a four-door vehicle.
In terms of a previous driving record, Uber rejects applicants who have had:
- More than three minor moving violations in the last three years
- A DUI conviction or a reckless driving conviction within the last seven years
- A serious moving violation in the past seven years
Qualifications for Lyft Rideshare Drivers
Like Uber, Lyft completes a background check of their applicants. Lyft also disqualifies anyone on the sex offender registry and applicants with felony convictions for crimes like fraud, terrorism, and violent crimes. The company requires a valid driver’s license, a four-door car, valid plates, insurance, and that the driver be at minimum 21 to 25, depending on the state.
Lyft usually rejects applicants with:
- More than four moving violations in the last three years
- A serious moving violation in the last three years
- A DUI or other drug-related driving violation in the last seven years
- A serious driving-related conviction in the last seven years, like a hit-and-run accident
Lyft monitors their drivers’ records, so if a rideshare driver violates Lyft’s standards during their employment, they can lose their job.
Choose Cellino Law to Negotiate Your Uber or Lyft Accident Lawsuit
For over 60 years, the Cellino family has been at the forefront of protecting injured New Yorkers’ rights to seek compensation for their damages. This family legacy of service has had incredible results in the form of settled personal injury claims.
We are proud of our service to injured New Yorkers, and we are constantly evolving to keep up with emerging issues in personal injury law, such as the relatively new area of rideshare car accidents.
Our team of personal injury attorneys is committed to maximizing compensation for New Yorkers who have suffered damages as a result of a rideshare driver’s negligence. We have the negotiating experience, diligent attitude, and subject matter expertise you need to ensure your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages are recognized in your claim.
Contact the Rideshare Car Accident Lawyers of Cellino Law Today
Even though Uber and Lyft generally don’t hire drivers with recent or serious driving record issues, that does not mean that rideshare drivers are above becoming distracted, drowsy, or ignoring traffic laws that endanger other road users as a result. At Cellino Law, we will thoroughly investigate the driver’s record as a part of establishing liability in your claim.
Our team of Uber attorneys has regularly litigated complicated rideshare accident lawsuits for injured New Yorkers. We will provide the time and attention your rideshare accident claim requires to ensure that you receive a settlement that properly compensates you for the damages you sustained as a result of your injuries in a New York rideshare car accident.
The car accident attorneys of Cellino Law can provide the legal insight you need to successfully recover the compensation you deserve for your damages. Contact our team at (888) 888-8888 or use our online form to schedule a free case evaluation to learn more about what the Uber and Lyft accident lawyers of Cellino Law can do for you.
Content checked by the personal injury attorney Ross Cellino. As a family man and a trial attorney, I pride myself on winning cases and serving the community. With over 35 years of experience, I understand the function of a jury, how juries arrive at conclusions, and the role that the jury plays in administering justice. I know how to win cases. You can find us in Manhattan, Buffalo, Melville, Rochester, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and other locations throughout New York.