Ordering an Uber or Lyft may feel simple, but California regulates the drivers and vehicles used to provide rideshare services. Uber and Lyft also impose their own eligibility requirements, which can change over time.
These requirements may matter after an accident. If a driver had a disqualifying driving record or the vehicle failed to meet applicable safety requirements, those facts could be relevant when investigating who was responsible for the crash.
How Does California Regulate Uber and Lyft?
California considers companies like Uber and Lyft to be Transportation Network Companies. California regulates these companies and maintains operating requirements covering matters like insurance, driver records, vehicle inspections, safety, and identification.
That means someone generally cannot simply download an app, pick up passengers, and begin operating as an Uber or Lyft driver without going through an approval process. The driver and vehicle must meet certain requirements first.
What Are the Driver Requirements for Uber and Lyft?
Uber and Lyft have platform-specific rules for accepting drivers, but California also imposes regulatory requirements.
California restricts drivers with certain driving records. For example, rideshare drivers generally cannot have a major violation, such as reckless driving, hit-and-run, or a conviction for driving with a suspended license, within the preceding three years. A DUI conviction within the preceding seven years is also disqualifying.
Uber and Lyft are required to participate in California’s Employer Pull Notice program, which can provide notice of adverse driving history, including:
- Convictions
- Accidents
- Failures to appear
- Driver’s license suspensions
- Driver’s license revocations
This continuing review allows Uber and Lyft to receive notice of certain changes to a driver’s record after the driver has been approved.
Do Uber and Lyft Drivers Undergo Background Checks?
Background screening is another important part of rideshare driver approval. California rules require criminal background screenings of drivers. Uber and Lyft can also impose additional screening through the platforms.
These requirements can become important after an accident or another incident involving a rideshare driver. A personal injury attorney investigating a serious rideshare case can determine whether the driver’s qualifications have any connection to what happened.
Do Uber and Lyft Vehicles Have to Pass an Inspection?
Yes. California requires rideshare vehicles to pass a safety inspection before they are first used for rideshare service. After that, vehicles must be inspected every 12 months or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Inspections must be completed by a facility licensed by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair.
The inspection requirement can become particularly important after an accident involving apparent mechanical problems. Questions about maintenance can help determine whether the accident resulted from an unexpected failure or a safety problem that should have been discovered and corrected.
Who Could Be Responsible for an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Rideshare accident cases can involve several potentially responsible parties. The rideshare driver may be liable if negligent driving caused the collision.
Another motorist could be responsible, or multiple drivers could share liability. Mechanical problems could raise additional questions about vehicle owners, repair businesses, or manufacturers depending on what caused the failure.
Insurance coverage creates another layer of complexity. Determining which policy applies may depend on whether the driver was offline, waiting for a request, traveling to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting one.
That is why rideshare accident cases should not always be treated exactly like ordinary two-car collisions.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Assist?
The Uber or Lyft app may contain important information about a driver’s activity immediately before a car accident. Insurance records could also establish which coverage period applies. Driver records could reveal whether a motorist satisfied California’s requirements.
A skilled personal injury lawyer can investigate these issues on behalf of an injury victim, which could include gathering:
- Police reports
- Driver information
- App and trip information
- Vehicle inspection records
- Maintenance records
- Photographs and video
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Evidence of lost income
They can also calculate a victim’s damages, negotiate with insurers, and pursue compensation from the responsible parties.
Contact the Santa Ana Car Accident Attorneys at Robles Babaee, Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
California imposes requirements on rideshare companies. This includes rules for drivers and vehicles used to transport passengers. These requirements promote safer transportation, but they cannot prevent all collisions.
If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft vehicle in Santa Ana, CA, don’t hesitate to get legal help. Contact Robles Babaee, Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. Our Santa Ana car accident lawyers will investigate the collision, applicable insurance coverage, and help you pursue the compensation you are entitled to receive.
We serve Cobb County. Visit our office located in Santa Ana, California.
Robles Babaee, Personal Injury Lawyers
1851 E 1st St, Suite 810, Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 263-3700