A recent article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune describes some pretty dramatic and scary holes in background checks for Uber and Lyft drivers in the Twin Cities area.  For example…

“Among those approved to drive here: convicted felons, drivers with as many as four drunken driving convictions and men convicted of crimes related to assaulting their wives and girlfriends. Most continue to drive for the companies, which now provide more rides in the Twin Cities than traditional taxis.”

It’s a startling reality and one that may have paved the way for a number of alarming incidents. At the same time, however, the companies insist they follow local standards and exercise appropriate discretion in their selection of drivers. Even so, after the Star Tribune gave its findings to the ridesharing companies and area officials, a number of drivers were removed and both companies say they are doing what they can to prevent future lapses.

Of course, background checks, whether in Minneapolis or Los Angeles are never going to be completely foolproof. As Uber and Lyft accident attorneys, we can only comment that it’s a very good thing that they provide their drivers with about $1 million worth of insurance to cover liability when they are responsible for a crash, as well as uninsured/under-insured motorist to cover cases where another party is at fault.

Obviously, it’s very important for them to improve their screening to prevent allowing drivers with recent DUIs and any assault convictions from driving for them. Nevertheless, it’s also a good thing that they are also keeping their drivers very well insured.