Once an obscure and novel transportation method, ridesharing is now commonplace in major cities like New York. With an increase in the number of rideshare companies, drivers, and cars comes an increase in accidents and issues related to this service. Even if you do not use a service like Uber or Lyft, these vehicles still affect you if you walk, ride, or drive around New York City.

Sharing the streets with rideshare drivers means sharing the risks of an accident with one of these vehicles. Knowing the requirements that Uber and Lyft impose on their drivers may provide insight into the safety of these services and allow you to make an informed decision about whether or not you want to use rideshare apps in the future. If you’ve been involved in an accident caused by a rideshare driver, you may also want to know what is required of drivers and their vehicles in New York.

Navigating an accident claim with an Uber or Lyft driver is more complicated than a claim with other drivers. Factors like the driver’s independent contractor status and multiple insurance companies make it challenging to handle a claim on your own. Rideshare companies have liability policies that cover accidents while drivers are transporting passengers or using the company app; otherwise, the driver’s personal insurance policy will be responsible for damages. It is likely that the personal insurance coverage is not as robust as Uber and Lyft coverage.

Mark E. Seitelman Law Offices has been helping clients with their New York City accident claims for over thirty years, and we are familiar with the procedures required for accidents involving rideshare drivers.

Standard Requirements for Uber and Lyft Drivers

Uber and Lyft driver requirements in New York City are slightly different from the requirements in other states and cities across the US. The City requires that anyone driving for rideshare companies obtain a license from the Taxi and Limousine Commission. As part of the licensure process, drivers will submit to a background check that looks for felony convictions and any convictions related to driving under the influence.

What Criteria Must Your Vehicle Meet to be Used for Uber or Lyft?

Just as drivers have requirements to meet in order to qualify for Uber and Lyft, vehicles must also meet specific standards set out by New York’s Taxi and Limousine Commission, including that the vehicle must be commercially insured.

Additionally, Uber and Lyft also have vehicle requirements that rideshare drivers must adhere to:

  • Uber – your vehicle cannot be more than 16 years old as a general rule, and some Uber services require a car that is six or fewer model years old. Uber requires their vehicles to be in good condition and not have cosmetic damage.
  • Lyft – in New York City, Lyft vehicles must be model year 2007 or newer and have seating capacity for between five and eight people, including the driver.

Both services require all seats to have seat belts and for the vehicle to have four doors.

What Qualifications Are Needed to Become an Uber or Lyft Driver?

In addition to the standard requirements for drivers, they must also have certain specific qualifications in order to drive for rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber. Lyft’s requirements for drivers in New York City are as follows:

  • At least 21 years old
  • No minimum amount of driving experience is required
  • Valid US driver’s license

Uber’s requirements for New York City rideshare drivers are stricter, including:

  • At least 21 years old with at least three years of driving experience, or
  • At least 23 years old with at least one year of driving experience
  • Valid driver’s license issued in New York or New Jersey

Why do you need these requirements for Uber and Lyft drivers? All of these standards and requirements issued by rideshare companies are intended to keep drivers, rideshare passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians safe. In addition, there are legal implications involved in licensing and insurance policies that provide liability protection for the companies and drivers.

Legal Representation After an Uber or Lyft Accident

If you have been involved in a rideshare accident either as a passenger or another motorist, you will need a car accident attorney who has experience dealing with rideshare companies and their insurance providers. Mark E. Seitelman Law Offices has been representing New Yorkers for over 30 years, fighting to get them fair compensation after their car accidents. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.