The Role of Negligent Hiring in Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare companies have been a boon for people worldwide as they have increased the options available for transportation. However, the need to hire new drivers has also increased due to the increasing demand to make more vehicles available. This often leads to the companies rushing people in to fill the demand.

Hiring drivers without following the rideshare hiring process means incompetent drivers are getting employed. Employment of such drivers increases the risk of accidents, putting the lives of the passengers and others on the road at risk. Rideshare companies are responsible for hiring competent drivers to ensure safety.

This blog explores negligent hiring, how it contributes to accidents, and what victims must do if they ever get involved.

What Is Negligent Hiring?

Negligent hiring is when a rideshare company fails to carefully assess their employees before hiring them as a driver in their company. Let’s take a look at some common forms of negligence rideshare companies may do during the hiring process:

• Not Conducting a Background Check: If a company fails to conduct a thorough background check before hiring a person as a driver, it can be considered an act of negligence.
• Ignoring Past Records: A company may look over a person’s criminal record or poor driving history and still employ them as a driver.
• Overlooking Substance Abuse: Companies might ignore a person’s addiction history and still opt to hire the candidate.

Company Requirements Before Hiring a Driver

Before hiring a person as a rideshare driver, companies must conduct proper screening to ensure the person and their vehicle are safe and reliable. Here is how they can do so:

Driver Requirements

• Age: The candidate must be of legal age to drive in the state where they opt to become a rideshare driver.
• License: The candidate must have a valid license.
• Driving Record: The candidate must have no driving offenses. Even old accidents must be considered if there is a record of DUIs or other violations.
• Criminal History: The candidate must not have any criminal record.

Vehicle Requirements

• Age: The vehicle must not be over 15 years old.
• Doors: The vehicle must have four doors.
• Appearance: The vehicle must not have any commercial branding, cosmetic damage, or missing parts.
• Insurance: The vehicle must be insured.

How Negligent Hiring Contributes to Rideshare Accidents

If an accident is caused by a driver hired due to the company’s negligence, the company can be held liable for the damages the victim experiences. Let’s look at how negligent hiring can lead to accidents:

• Reckless Driving: Drivers with a history of reckless driving, such as tailgating, speeding, or running a red light, increase the chances of accidents.
• DUI: Drivers who consume mind-altering substances such as alcohol, prescription, or illegal drugs increase the chances of them not being in control of the vehicle and causing an accident.
• Health: Drivers who suffer from mental or physical health issues are more likely to face challenges while behind the wheel, increasing the chances of an accident.

What Victims Can Do After a Rideshare Accident

Taking the proper steps after an accident is crucial. If a victim plans to file a claim against the rideshare companies, they must take the right steps immediately after the accident to ensure a favorable outcome. Here’s how a victim can ensure fair compensation:

• Medical Attention: Getting medical attention after an accident is vital to ensure safety as they check all physical injuries and look for hidden ones. The checkup record also acts as proof of the accident and the injuries caused by it.
• Report the Accident: It is vital to call the cops after an accident. The report they make, i.e., the police report, acts as a neutral observation of the case, which can strengthen the claim. The incident must also be reported to the rideshare company so they can officially report it.
• Evidence Collection: Victims must collect any possible evidence that could support their claim, including images of the scene, witness statements, trip details, etc. The fresher the evidence collected, the stronger the case gets.
• Legal Guidance: Hiring a personal injury lawyer is crucial as they can help the victim through the legal process. They can handle all negotiations with the rideshare or insurance companies and ensure the victim gets fair compensation.