When you request a ride from Uber or Lyft, you trust that the person behind the wheel is fit to drive. But what if that driver has a medical condition that could cause them to pass out, lose focus, or become a danger to others on the road? At West Coast Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers, we understand that public safety and legal accountability go hand in hand.

So let’s answer a question more & more people are asking: Are Uber and Lyft drivers required to disclose health conditions that could impair their ability to drive you safely?

Why This Matters to You as a Passenger

If a driver suffers a medical emergency mid-ride, the consequences can be devastating—not only for the driver but for passengers and other motorists. Think of conditions like epilepsy, sleep apnea, diabetes, or even side effects from prescribed medications. Each of these has the potential to cause sudden blackouts, confusion, or a loss of control behind the wheel.

As personal injury attorneys, we’ve seen cases where passengers were injured in ride-share accidents caused by a driver’s medical issue that should have been disclosed or at least monitored.

Are Drivers Legally Required to Disclose Medical Conditions?

Here’s where things get murky. Uber and Lyft drivers are classified as independent contractors, not employees. That means they aren’t subject to the same health disclosure rules as someone driving a commercial truck or bus.

Currently, neither Uber nor Lyft requires a formal medical exam as part of their onboarding process. While both companies conduct criminal background checks and driving history reviews, they do not require drivers to disclose health conditions—even serious ones—unless those conditions are reported to the DMV.

This hands-off approach leaves passengers potentially vulnerable. If a driver knowingly operates a vehicle while suffering from a condition that impairs their ability to drive, they may be personally liable for any harm caused. But if the ride-share company failed to act on prior complaints or reports, they too could be held accountable.

What Medical Conditions Pose the Most Risk?

There are a range of medical conditions that may not affect someone’s day-to-day life but could become deadly risks when behind the wheel:

• Epilepsy and seizure disorders: A seizure during a ride could lead to a catastrophic crash.
• Diabetes: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can cause confusion, fainting, or unconsciousness.
• Sleep apnea: Untreated sleep apnea leads to severe fatigue and can cause drivers to fall asleep at the wheel.
• Heart conditions: A heart attack or arrhythmia while driving could be fatal.
• Medication side effects: Even common medications can cause drowsiness or delayed reaction times.

Despite these dangers, there is no routine screening process to identify whether ride-share drivers are managing these conditions responsibly.

How Are Uber and Lyft Held Accountable?

If a driver has a medical emergency during a ride and causes an accident, victims have legal recourse. At West Coast Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers, we analyze several factors to build a strong case:

1. Was the driver aware of their condition?
2. Did Uber or Lyft have any prior complaints or red flags?
3. Did the company fail to act on warning signs that could have prevented the incident?

Even though these companies argue that drivers are independent contractors, California’s Assembly Bill 5 (AB5) and other recent legal decisions have challenged that narrative—especially in liability cases. If the platform contributed to the danger, either by negligence or failure to monitor, they can be brought into the case.

What If a Medical Emergency Caused Your Uber or Lyft Accident?

Here’s what to do immediately after the incident:

• Seek medical help for any injuries.
• Document the situation: Take photos, get witness contact info, and write down exactly what happened.
• Report the incident to both the ride-share company and your local law enforcement.
• Consult with a personal injury attorney immediately to protect your rights.

Medical emergencies don’t automatically excuse a driver from responsibility. If they knew—or should have known—that they weren’t fit to drive, they may be liable for any injuries caused. And if Uber or Lyft failed to vet or monitor the driver properly, they could share that liability.

Can You Sue Uber or Lyft Directly?

Yes, under the right circumstances. While both companies carry up to $1 million in liability insurance, accessing that coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident:

• App Off: The driver’s personal insurance applies.
• App On, No Passenger: Uber/Lyft provides limited liability coverage.
• Passenger in the Car: Uber/Lyft’s full commercial policy applies.

If the crash occurred while the app was on and the driver was actively transporting you, Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies may be on the hook—especially if the crash was caused by a preventable medical event.

What Role Does the DMV Play?

The Department of Motor Vehicles does have medical evaluation programs. In states like California, doctors are required to report certain conditions that may affect driving ability (e.g., epilepsy, severe diabetes, cognitive disorders). If a driver’s condition is flagged, the DMV may suspend or revoke their license—or require a re-evaluation.

However, ride-share platforms typically don’t coordinate with the DMV unless a red flag is raised. This creates a dangerous blind spot, where a driver could be medically unfit but still driving for Uber or Lyft without oversight.

Your Legal Options as a Victim

If you’ve been injured due to a driver’s undisclosed medical condition, here’s what you may be entitled to:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages (in extreme negligence cases)

At West Coast Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers, we’ve recovered millions for victims of ride-share accidents. We know how to pierce the corporate veil, access internal documents, and prove when companies like Uber and Lyft should have acted—and didn’t.

Your Safety Should Never Be a Gamble, Call Now

The bottom line? While there’s no clear-cut law requiring Uber and Lyft drivers to disclose medical conditions, that doesn’t mean companies are off the hook when their drivers cause harm due to undisclosed health issues. As a passenger, you have the right to expect a safe ride. When that right is violated, we’re here to help.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a ride-share accident caused by a driver’s medical emergency, don’t wait. Call us today at (213) 465-8682 or fill out our quick contact form.