Rideshare Driver Background Check Problems
Uber and Lyft have faced significant criticism for inadequate driver screening. When background check failures lead to accidents or assaults, the companies may be liable.
Current Background Check Requirements
What Uber/Lyft Typically Check
Driving record (past 3-7 years)
Criminal history
Sex offender registry
Identity verification
Vehicle inspection
Insurance verificationWhat They DON'T Typically Do
Fingerprint verification
In-person interviews
Drug testing
Ongoing monitoring
Local police database checks
International background checksKnown Background Check Failures
Drivers with Criminal Histories
Convicted felons passing screening
Sex offenders not detected
Violent crime convictions missed
Multiple DUI convictions not flaggedDriving Record Issues
Suspended licenses not caught
Moving violations not flagged
Accidents not discovered
Commercial driving violations missedIdentity Verification Failures
Drivers using false identities
Accounts shared between people
Identity theft not detectedLegal Claims from Screening Failures
Negligent Hiring
Company knew or should have known driver was dangerous
Failed to conduct adequate screening
Hired driver despite red flagsNegligent Retention
Kept driver after complaints
Failed to investigate incidents
Ignored warning signsNegligent Supervision
Failed to monitor driver behavior
No system to track complaints
Inadequate trainingUber Safety Report Statistics
Uber's own safety reports have disclosed:
Thousands of sexual assault reports annually
Fatal accidents involving screened drivers
Complaints about driver behavior
Background check limitations acknowledgedHow This Affects Your Case
If your accident or assault involved a driver who:
Had prior incidents
Had a criminal history that should have disqualified them
Had driving violations that weren't caught
Was subject to prior complaintsYou may have claims directly against Uber or Lyft for their screening failures, beyond just the driver's conduct.
Improving Your Case
To establish screening negligence:
Obtain driver's full background
Request complaint history from company
Get police and court records
Hire expert on background check standards
Show what proper screening would have revealedRegulatory Push for Better Screening
Many states now require:
More extensive background checks
Fingerprint verification
Local police database searches
Ongoing monitoring
Stricter disqualification criteriaThe Bottom Line
If you were harmed by a rideshare driver with a problematic background, the rideshare company's screening failures may make them directly liable for your damages.
