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February 7, 2023 by Greg Baumgartner
Ridesharing services are often cheaper than cabs but are also less regulated. Many states are tightening the rules on these companies due to the potential liability and hazard.
So, what are the driving requirements for Lyft and Uber in Texas?
Each of the two major ride-sharing companies has different vehicle requirements for its drivers. Furthermore, Texas is such a large state that requirements may vary from place to place.
Typically, all documentation on the vehicle must be up to date. For example, the requirements for Lyft are:
Uber in the Houston area requires the following:
So, one basic requirement is that the vehicle has four doors and is reasonably new. However, specific requirements can vary by area. If you have questions about whether a vehicle is eligible, please contact the ride-sharing companies directly.
Lyft has become a popular alternative to traditional taxi services, offering a more affordable and convenient transportation option. As a result, many people are interested in becoming Lyft drivers. However, before you can hit the road and start earning money, there are certain requirements that you must meet.
The first requirement to become a Lyft driver is that you must be at least 21 years old. Lyft driver age requirements are fixed. The minimum age is due to insurance reasons and is a standard requirement for most rideshare companies. Additionally, you must have at least one year of driving experience if you are under 23. If you are over 23, you must have at least three years of driving experience.
All Lyft drivers must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. Passing means no major violations in the past three years, such as DUIs or reckless driving. Additionally, all drivers must pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a criminal history check and a review of their driving record.
Lyft also has certain personal requirements for its drivers. You must have a smartphone compatible with the Lyft app, as this is how you will receive ride requests and communicate with passengers. You must also have a valid Social Security number and be legally allowed to work in the United States.
Before you can start driving for Lyft, your vehicle must pass a vehicle inspection. The inspection is mandatory and can be done at a Lyft Hub or a certified mechanic. The inspection will verify the functionality of items such as working headlights, brake lights, and turn signals, while also assessing the vehicle’s overall condition.
To drive for a rideshare in Texas, a driver must have a valid driver’s license and be at least 25 years old. Companies also do a basic screening of drivers that checks their driving history and criminal background.
To become an Uber driver, you must be at least 21 years old and have a minimum of one year of driving experience. This experience can be from any licensed driving experience, including a personal, rental, or company car.
To drive for Uber, you must have a vehicle that meets their requirements. These requirements vary by location, but generally include:
It’s essential to note that you don’t need to own the vehicle you’ll drive for Uber. You can use a rental car or borrow one from a friend or family member if it meets the requirements.
Uber will conduct a background check on all potential drivers as part of the application process. The check includes a review of your driving record and criminal history. Any major violations or criminal offenses may disqualify you from becoming an Uber driver.
To drive for Uber, you must have a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Your license must be from Texas if you plan to drive in Houston, and your insurance must meet the minimum requirements set by Uber.
Both Uber and Lyft drivers, however, do not have to meet the more stringent requirements to obtain a taxi driver’s license. They may not be as skilled drivers and may not be familiar with the area, which can result in a longer trip.
Because of this, you are more likely to get into an accident when taking a rideshare over a licensed cab. This does not mean rideshares are unsafe, but they can be less safe than cabs. There have also been issues with inappropriate behavior from drivers, including sexual harassment and discrimination.
In 2020, a survey done by DriversEd.com showed some disturbing statistics. According to passengers, 35% of their drivers did something reckless, 29% sent texts while driving, and 13% said their driver acted “inappropriately.
In most cases, the person liable for the accident is not the rideshare company but the driver. As a result, Texas requires rideshare drivers to increase their auto insurance. People must take out $30,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person.
Rideshare drivers are required to have liability insurance of $1 million. Since this is beyond the reach of most drivers, the company typically provides this coverage. Uber also provides comprehensive coverage. This is only in effect when the rideshare driver is carrying passengers.
This can be confusing. Suppose you are involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle. In that case, you need to determine whether the vehicle was carrying passengers and whether the app was on or off, as this will determine which insurance you need to deal with. Consulting with an experienced Uber accident lawyer is a good step.
When they are driving on a personal trip, their insurance covers it. If they were driving to pick someone up, there is a higher limit ($50,000); if they were carrying passengers, the limit increases significantly.
However, if you were riding in the car when the accident occurred, then Uber/Lyft’s insurance coverage comes into effect. Because the drivers are legally considered independent contractors, it is hard to sue the rideshare company, even if they appear negligent. You need an expert lawyer in this situation.
If you are physically or sexually assaulted or sexually harassed by a rideshare driver. In that case, however, you have a much higher chance of being able to sue the company for negligent hiring because they did not properly screen the driver. Here are some tips for staying safe when using Uber or Lyft.
If you are involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle in Texas, knowing the steps to take to protect yourself is essential. Like any other accident, the first thing to do is gather important information such as the driver’s name, license plate number, and insurance details. Collecting the names of witnesses who may have seen what happened is also helpful. Additionally, consider asking the driver whether the rideshare app was on or off during the incident and if they were carrying passengers.
Be aware that some drivers may have incentives to lie about the app status, either to ensure the company’s insurance covers the accident or to avoid potential consequences from the rideshare company. However, it’s worth noting that companies like Uber and Lyft often keep records of app activity, including GPS location data when the app is active. This information can be verified if necessary.
To ensure proper documentation and address any concerns, it’s recommended to report the accident through the respective company’s website. Both Uber and Lyft have mechanisms in place for reporting accidents. This step is similar to talking to an insurance company, as it initiates the claims process.
While engaging with the rideshare company, it’s wise to consider consulting with a Lyft accident lawyer before providing further information. Legal representation can help protect your rights and guide you through the process.
Avoid volunteering unnecessary details, describing injuries, or admitting fault. Insurance companies, including those of rideshare companies, may use any excuse to place blame on you, which could impact your compensation. It’s essential to note that Texas follows a proportionate responsibility doctrine, meaning that any damages awarded may be reduced based on the degree of responsibility assigned to each party involved.
In cases where you were a ride-sharing vehicle passenger, it’s worth noting that Uber or Lyft’s insurance typically covers such incidents. However, drivers may hesitate to report minor accidents to protect their standing with the company. Therefore, it’s still advisable to independently report the accident to Uber or Lyft for documentation purposes.
Dealing with an accident involving a rideshare vehicle can be complex, especially when determining the driver’s work status during the incident. To navigate this process effectively, it’s crucial to seek the guidance of a knowledgeable personal accident lawyer.
By contacting a lawyer promptly, you can begin working on your behalf, investigating the cause of the accident, and advocating for your rights. In many cases, the involvement of legal representation can expedite the settlement process if the rideshare company realizes you have legal support.
You should also go to the company’s website and report the accident. Both Uber and Lyft have mechanisms for doing this. Consider this equivalent to talking to an insurance company. Get a consultation with a Lyft accident lawyer before talking with Lyft.
Don’t volunteer any information they don’t ask for, don’t describe injuries, and don’t admit the accident may have been your fault. Their insurance company will use any excuse (like all insurance companies) to place the blame on you, wholly or partially. Texas uses proportionate responsibility, so any damages will be reduced by the amount you are found responsible for the accident.
Uber or Lyft’s insurance would cover the incident if you were a passenger in the car. However, drivers may be reluctant to report minor incidents if they could negatively impact their company record. Therefore, you should still report the accident independently to Uber or Lyft.
An accident involving a rideshare car can be particularly complicated, especially as the driver may have the motivation to be less than honest about whether they were “working” or not.
You need a quality personal injury lawyer and should contact one immediately after the incident so they can start working on your behalf. The company will often settle quickly if a lawyer is involved.
Contact a top-rated Houston personal injury lawyer at Baumgartner Law Firm for more information by calling (281) 587-1111.
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Since establishing Baumgartner Law Firm in 1985, Greg Baumgartner has built a reputation as one of Houston’s leading personal injury attorneys, dedicated to representing severely injured victims and families who have lost loved ones due to negligence.
Greg holds two law degrees, a distinction earned by less than 1% of all attorneys, demonstrating his exceptional legal expertise. He is also a prestigious Trial Lawyers College graduate, further enhancing his skills in trial advocacy and litigation.
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