Rideshare companies have exploded in popularity over the last decade — with Uber alone now boasting seven million drivers and a user base nearly ten times that. But as these companies grow, so do the risks for all passengers and drivers on the road.
Although the state of Texas imposes strict requirements on rideshare companies that operate within it — and especially on Uber and Lyft drivers and their vehicles — the unfortunate truth is that rideshare accidents are on the rise in Houston and cities throughout the nation.
The rate of Uber-related fatalities climbed 40% from 2019 to 2022, according to the company’s own safety report, claiming at least 153 lives and injuring thousands more in 2022. Not only do Uber and Lyft crashes leave victims with serious injuries, but they are among the most complex legal battles involving massive corporations that prioritize profits over safety.
Read on to learn more about the laws that govern rideshare drivers in Houston and how our undefeated Houston personal injury lawyers can stand up, fight, and win for you if you were involved in an Uber or Lyft accident.
Statewide Regulation Of Transportation Network Companies
In late 2015, Houston, Austin, and other major cities across the state of Texas approved ordinances requiring rideshare companies to operate like taxis. As a result of these regulations, Uber and Lyft rather notoriously pulled out of a few local jurisdictions.
The move prompted Governor Greg Abbott to sign H.B. 100, a statewide law that took the responsibility for regulating rideshare companies out of the hands of the individual cities and placed it in the purview of the state. This law requires rideshare companies (referred to as “transportation network companies”) to register with the state and pay an annual fee.
Additionally, Texas imposes a specific set of rules on those who drive for these companies, stating that all drivers must meet the following requirements:
- Be 18 years of age or older (for reference, Lyft itself requires drivers to be 25 or older)
- Maintain a valid state driver’s license
- Maintain proof of registration and insurance coverage that meets state minimums
- Consent to a background check at the local, state, and national level
Furthermore, drivers must also maintain a fairly clean criminal record. You must not have been convicted of a crime in the three years preceding your background check or have three or more moving violations attached to your driver’s license.
You also cannot have been convicted of any of the following crimes:
- Fleeing or evading an officer
- Reckless driving
- Driving without a license
- Driving while intoxicated
- Use of a motor vehicle to commit a felony
- Acts of violence or terrorism
- Theft or fraud
- Acts that result in being listed on the sex offender list
Disobeying these laws can lead to a termination of the rideshare company’s license to operate in Texas, as they are in place to prevent crimes and personal injury suits.
Requirements For Vehicles Used By Rideshare Drivers
In addition to restrictions for rideshare drivers, Uber and Lyft also require that vehicles meet these minimum standards:
- Be a 4-door vehicle
- Be no more than 16 years old
- Be in good condition with no cosmetic damage
Each company also has business-specific restrictions. Lyft, for example, requires that its drivers’ cars cannot be taxis, stretch limousines, or non-Express Drive rental vehicles, nor can they be rebuilt. Uber lists several different requirements for providing premium services.
Ensure Rideshare Companies Follow The Law
All rideshare companies in Houston must follow state law when it comes to driver and vehicle requirements.
If you believe you have been hurt in an accident because they failed to do so, it’s a good idea to get in touch with an attorney as quickly as possible. You deserve to have your accident investigated. And if negligence was at play, you also deserve to have someone help you pursue compensation and justice.
A knowledgeable legal professional can help you do that within the statute of limitations, ensuring your rights are upheld at every turn.
Contact Our Undefeated Houston Rideshare Accident Lawyers at 1-888-603-3636 for a Free Consultation
With Billions won and having successfully represented thousands of accident victims in Houston, Texas, and across the U.S., our Undefeated Houston Rideshare Accident Lawyers have the resources and experience to stand up against the largest companies in the world and not only win, but set records.
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