Brian White | April 25, 2024 | Uber & Lyft Accidents
A common complaint about public transportation is the condition of the vehicles. They may be dirty, poorly maintained, and older. In addition, drivers may not be polite or friendly.
The popularity of rideshare companies has given taxis and other public transportation options serious competition. In addition to the cost and convenience of rideshares, Uber and Lyft have strict requirements for their drivers and vehicles.
Uber and Lyft Requirements in Texas
To drive for Uber or Lyft in Texas, you must comply with various requirements, including the following:
- Maintain a valid driver’s license: You must have a driver’s license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
- Carry auto insurance: You must carry car insurance coverage that complies with the minimum state requirements.
- Background check: You must consent to a background check and pass it before you are approved to drive with Uber or Lyft. If you have a prior disqualifying conviction, you can be prohibited from driving with a rideshare company.
- Approved vehicle: Rideshare companies specify which vehicles are eligible. Typically, a vehicle must have four doors and five to eight seats, not be a stretch limo or taxi, and not be a model year older than 15 years.
- Online Application: You must submit an application online with any supplemental documents and agree to comply with the rideshare company’s policies. If approved to drive, you may be required to complete online training.
- Vehicle Inspection: Vehicles may be required to pass an inspection that includes checking tires, brakes, turn signals, and more.
If these requirements are met, you may be approved to drive for Uber or Lyft.
Minimum Age and Experience Requirements to Drive For Uber and Lyft in Texas
The requirements for Uber and Lyft that drivers in Texas must meet include the following:
- You must be at least 25 years old to drive a Lyft
- You must meet the minimum age to drive an Uber in your city (be at least 18 years old)
- You must have at least one year of licensed driving experience to drive with Uber
- You must have three years of licensed driving experience if you are under 25 years old to drive for Uber
Riders rate rideshare drivers. You can see the driver’s rating before you book a trip. Therefore, drivers strive to maintain excellent ratings to gain more customers.
Uber and Lyft Driver’s License and Insurance Requirements
To drive with Uber or Lyft in Texas, you must meet various driver’s license and insurance requirements.
The driver requirements for Uber drivers and Lyft drivers in Houston include the following:
- Must have a valid Texas driver’s license
- The driver’s license must have been issued at least one year before driving a rideshare
- Be able to provide proof of residency in the city where you will drive
- Pass a driver screening, including a criminal background check and a review of your driving record
- You must maintain auto insurance coverage in compliance with state law
- Carrying $30,000 per person in bodily injury insurance
- Carrying $60,000 per accident in bodily injury insurance
- Maintaining $25,000 in property damage coverage per accident
Uber also maintains insurance for car accidents that occur when you’re online and available to take a trip. This insurance provides $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage. If an Uber accident occurs during a trip or on the way to a trip, Uber’s insurance covers $1,000,000 for property damage and injuries.
How Drivers Are Approved to Drive for Uber and Lyft
To drive for Uber or Lyft, you may be required to undergo the following:
- An online application
- Consent to a background check
- Pass a background check
- Have your driving record evaluated
- Maintain a clean driving record
- Provide personal information, including your Social Security Number, current and previous addresses, driver’s license number, and more
- Annual background checks
- Face disqualification if you fail to pass a background check at any point in time
- Maintain your vehicle, including getting inspections
- Provide documents, including insurance information, vehicle registration, and proof of inspection
- Agree to comply with the rules established by Uber or Lyft and applicable traffic laws
Both Uber and Lyft advertise that they thoroughly screen their drivers. However, they use outside companies to perform driver screenings. Unfortunately, reports of driver misconduct and wrongdoing continue to be a problem for rideshare companies.
What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident
Any accident scene can be stressful; however, accidents involving a rideshare can be particularly complex to navigate.
Taking the following steps can help protect you after an Uber or Lyft accident:
- Get medical help immediately for yourself, passengers, and others involved
- Report the accident to law enforcement and obtain a police report
- Document the accident scene and visible injuries by taking photos and videos
- Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver
- Report the accident to Uber or Lyft
- Notify your insurance company of the accident
- Consult a car accident attorney
It is crucial not to admit fault at the accident scene or when speaking with the rideshare company or insurance adjusters. Consulting a personal injury attorney immediately following an accident can help protect your rights.
A Houston Car Accident Lawyer Can Help With Your Uber or Lyft Accident Claim
Rideshare accident claims are complicated personal injury cases. You don’t have to deal with this challenging time alone. A Houston car accident attorney can help investigate the crash, identify at-fault parties, gather evidence, and fight for fair compensation.
For more information, contact the Houston car accident law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.
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