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Shikha v. Lyft, Inc. (CA2/3 B321882 5/17/24) Negligence | Employer Duty to Screen Criminal Records of Riders

By May 17, 2024June 24th, 2024Uncategorized

Abdu Lkader Al Shikha was working as a Lyft driver when a passenger attacked him, stabbing his hand and legs.  The attack was sudden and unprovoked.  Unbeknownst to Al Shikha, the passenger had a criminal record.  Although Lyft conducts criminal background checks on its drivers, it does not similarly screen passengers.  Al Shikha sued Lyft for negligence based on the rideshare company’s failure to conduct criminal background checks on all passengers.  The trial court granted Lyft’s motion for judgment on the pleadings.

We conclude Al Shikha has not established that Lyft’s legal duty to its drivers extends to conducting criminal background checks on all riders seeking to use the service.  We therefore affirm the trial court judgment.

https://www.courts.ca.gov/opinions/documents/B321882.PDF