WHO’S DRIVING YOU — What Uber and Lyft Don’t Always Catch in Their Background Checks
The rideshare industry promises convenience with just a few taps
but when you're injured in a crash involving an Uber or Lyft, what you don’t know about your driver can hurt you.
While these companies claim to screen their drivers, the reality is more complicated. At R23 Law, our California Consumer Protection Attorneys regularly investigate rideshare accidents where critical driver history went overlooked—and passengers paid the price.
Here’s what you should know about background checks for Uber and Lyft drivers—and what happens when those checks fail.
Do Uber and Lyft Screen Their Drivers? Yes—but Not Perfectly
Uber and Lyft require drivers to complete a background check before hitting the road. But just because a check was completed doesn’t mean it was thorough—or up to date.
DMV Background Check:
Checks for serious driving violations or DUIs in the past 7 years.
Monitors moving violations like expired tags, red light running, or speeding.
If a driver has 3 or more violations in 3 years, they may be disqualified—but not always.
Criminal Background Check:
Uber and Lyft disqualify drivers for convictions related to:
Murder
Sexual offenses (checked against the National Sex Offender Registry)
Terrorism
Robbery or kidnapping
Aggravated assault
However, lesser offenses (like drug possession or theft) within the past 7 years may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Driver Oversight Gaps That Can Lead to Injury
Uber and Lyft do not require:
Drug testing (even after incidents)
Ongoing psychological screening
Annual ride-alongs or behind-the-wheel evaluations
And while they rerun DMV records annually, a lot can happen in a year.
At R23 Law, we’ve represented injured clients in cases where:
Drivers had recently been cited—but records hadn’t yet updated.
Identity verification was flawed.
Prior red flags went unchecked due to human or algorithmic error.
When an accident happens, we don’t just ask what went wrong—we dig into why it wasn’t prevented.
Rideshare Accidents: Who’s Legally Responsible?
If you’re injured in a rideshare crash, you may wonder: Do I sue the driver, the company, or both?
In California, Uber and Lyft are often considered “at-fault” through their drivers, depending on the phase of the ride:
App off: Personal insurance likely applies.
App on, but no ride accepted: Limited company coverage may apply.
During a ride or en route to pick up: Uber/Lyft’s $1M commercial insurance typically applies.
R23 Law’s experienced personal injury lawyers will:
Investigate the driver’s background
Review hiring and training practices
Identify breakdowns in safety protocols
Fight for full compensation from all liable parties
R23 Law Represents California Injury Victims Statewide
Whether you were hit as a passenger, driver, or pedestrian, you deserve accountability when a negligent Uber or Lyft driver causes harm.
Our R23 Law California Consumer Protection Attorneys have the resources and experience to take on powerful corporations—and we’ve done it time and again for clients from San Diego to Sacramento.
Injured in a Rideshare Accident? Act Fast
Evidence like app logs, surveillance footage, and driver history can disappear quickly. R23 Law immediately:
Sends preservation letters to Uber or Lyft
Secures hiring records
Subpoenas dash cam and GPS data
Coordinates expert testimony
Get Legal Clarity Now
Rideshare companies prioritize profits. We prioritize you.
📞 Contact R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys today for a free, confidential consultation. We'll investigate your claim, explain your legal options, and help you pursue justice.
