Jill Kolodner | November 28, 2023 | Car Accidents
Rideshare services are often touted as safe alternative transportation. But, it is surprisingly easy to become a rideshare driver for services like Uber or Lyft. There is nothing about these drivers that makes them any less likely to get in an auto accident than any other driver. In some cases, there may be factors that make them even more likely to be involved in an accident.
Although Uber and Lyft require drivers to pass background and driving record checks, this does not prevent you from being in the car of a dangerous driver.
Uber Driver Requirements
Uber requires people who want to drive with the company to complete a screening online. Uber then reviews the applicant’s criminal history and driving record. Drivers must also submit information, including a copy of their driver’s license and insurance information. To drive for
Uber, the driver must be able to show they have at least one year of driving experience.
During the screening process, the following can be revealed:
- How long the applicant has had a driver’s license
- Whether an applicant has any moving violations on their record
- Whether the applicant has was of a criminal offense related to driving, such as DUI
Generally, the following may disqualify an applicant from driving for Uber:
- Having more than three minor moving violations within the last three years
- A conviction for driving under the influence or reckless driving within the last seven years
- Speeding 20 miles per hour or more over the speed limit
- A conviction for a sex offense or certain felonies
Uber does not want to face liability for negligence, so it is incentivized to conduct proper screening.
Lyft Driver Requirements
Lyft has requirements for people who want to drive for the platform. The one-year experience requirement only applies in certain states and not in Maryland.
Disqualifying conditions for applicants can include:
- Being listed on the National Sex Offender Registry database
- A conviction for a disqualifying violent crime, a sexual offense, an act of terror, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs within the last seven years, a drug-related offense within the last seven years, or a disqualifying theft or property damage offense in the last seven years
- A conviction for four or more moving violations in the past three years, a single major moving violation in the past three years, such as reckless driving, a serious driving-related conviction in the past seven years, such as a hit-and-run, or a DUI or drug-related moving violation in the past seven years
It’s important to note that Lyft’s terms state that an applicant may be denied because of these factors, not that they actually will be.
How Drivers Get Around These Requirements
While Uber and Lyft conduct background and driver record checks, there may be ways that applicants may get around these requirements, such as:
- Not reporting states where they lived and have a relevant conviction
- Having a conviction that is older than the mandatory ineligibility timeline
- Not reporting new convictions to the rideshare platform
- Disclaiming a conviction based on it applying to someone with a common or similar name
Some drivers may even use someone else’s identity to create a driver account to get around these requirements.
Legal Assistance In Case Of An Accident
Were hurt in an accident that you think was caused by a rideshare driver’s bad driving? Seek legal assistance from a qualified personal injury lawyer who can help obtain the needed evidence and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact the Baltimore Car Accident Law Firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information contact the Baltimore car accident law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St,
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 837-2144
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3,
Dundalk, MD 21222
(410) 970-3080
