Uber Sexual Assault Lawyer

Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit MDL Updates

Our goal is to make this the most current page on the web for updates concerning the Uber rideshare lawsuit and sexual assault MDL, along with Lyft sexual assault lawsuits being filed throughout the United States.

April 17, 2024 - Issues Over Electronic Documents Arise During Discovery

The plaintiffs and Uber are currently working through a discovery issue related to electronic documents that will be used as evidence in the Uber Sexual Assault MDL. The problem may seem minute, but in a case that relies heavily on electronic information as proof, these kinds of issues can make all the difference.

The specific issue at hand involves links within emails and documents and what information they lead to. Currently, the documents that Uber has handed over to the plaintiffs include crucial information that is linked from one document or communication to another. However, these documents are often changed, and the links only go to the newest version. This presents a big problem from the plaintiff's point of view because only getting the current version means they are not seeing earlier versions, which might have edits or comments that could show what Uber knew and when.

The plaintiffs are asking the Judge to require that an automated retrieving system be built to find all versions of the linked documents. Uber claims this would be too difficult and time-consuming, while the defense claims it's technically possible and would be efficient.

This issue not only highlights the importance of the discovery process and the thought that goes into it. But it also shows the difficulties that modern cases present, especially in cases where the defendant company is purely app-based. These cases require the handling of massive amounts of digital information and hiring the proper companies to find, retrieve, and sort through millions of emails, messages, documents, app records, and so much more.

To handle a case like this, you need to hire a law firm with the resources to handle complex cases and who understands the nuances of suing a giant corporation.

April 15, 2024 - Uber Faces New Lawsuit Over Misleading Investors About Sexual Assault Cases

Uber is facing a new lawsuit over sexual assault claims; however, this time, the plaintiffs are investors and not assault victims. Investors and shareholders claim that Uber's leadership, including CEO Dara Khosrowshahi and former CFO Nelson Chai, misled them about the number of sexual assault cases they have pending against them. The plaintiffs allege that Uber withheld the information to inflate Uber's stock price. It has been estimated that there are somewhere around 10,000 sexual assault claims being considered.

April 10, 2024 - Uber Releases Improved Safety Features

In an April 10th press release titled “Set it and Forget it: How to Maximize Your Safety Features,” Uber announced several new or enhanced features to improve passenger safety. In addition to their existing features, they have added or improved the following features:

RideCheck Feature: This feature monitors Uber rides for unexpected stops, if the driver goes off the intended route, or if the driver goes in the wrong direction. If either of these happens, it alerts the passengers and gives them the option to mark whether they are okay or not. This is important for passengers who aren't paying attention and may not notice that they are going in the wrong direction.

PIN Verification System: Passengers can now receive a four-digit code to make sure it matches the driver’s code. This helps passengers verify their driver's identity and protects them from accidentally getting into the wrong vehicle or getting tricked into the wrong vehicle.

Audio Recording Feature: Passengers can now request that the app create an audio recording of their trip. These recordings are stored in encrypted files and are only accessible to if the passenger files a safety report.

Share My Trip Option: Passengers can now share their trip with a family member, friend, or partner. The Share My Trip Option sends the selected person the passenger’s real-time location and trip details. This allows passengers to not feel alone while they are in the Uber and to rest assured that someone knows where they are at all times.

Passengers can choose to turn on none, some, or all of these features. But one of the more interesting features they released is the ability to set these features to turn on in certain circumstances. For example, you can set these settings to be active at all times, active at certain times, active only on weekends, or active when the person is being picked up near a bar or restaurant.

These initiatives are likely a response to all the sexual assault lawsuits that have been filed against Uber. It is great that Uber is improving their safety features, but for passengers who have already been attacked, it may seem like too little too late or a PR stunt to rebuild their reputation.

April 2, 2024 - Uber Assault MDL Judge Requires Uniform Fact Sheets From All Parties to Create an Efficient Discovery Process

To ensure consistent factual content is shared between everyone involved in the Uber rideshare assault litigation, all parties must complete and exchange specific fact sheet forms. The goal is to encourage information gathering within reasonable timelines and identify common legal issues to help the court choose bellwether cases to act as test trials in the future.

With an additional 43 cases added since the beginning of 2024, the total number of lawsuits involved in this MDL has risen to 230 claims of passengers suffering personal injury from Uber driver sexual or physical assault.

March 30, 2024 - Judge Rules Uber Can Be Held Vicariously Liable

A federal judge has ruled that Uber can be held vicariously liable for an alleged assault by one of its drivers. The case was filed by Rommel Fuentes against Uber and driver Kehinde Idogho Micah. Mr. Fuentes claims that Micah assaulted Fuentes over an argument about the payment that resulted in serious injuries. Uber's lawyers filed a claim asking the court to dismiss the vicarious liability claim. The Judge denied that order today, agreeing with Fuentes that the driver was acting within the scope of his employment at the time of the incident and, therefore, Uber was involved.

This decision follows precedents set by courts in Virginia and South Carolina. These court decisions emphasize that actions committed by an Uber (or Lyft) driver can be considered to be "furthering the employer's business". In other words, the driver was working for Uber to make Uber money, and therefore, they cannot step out of the way of liability. Uber has claimed many times that they are simply an app company that connects two people who want to provide and receive services and that they are not the employer of the drivers. This ridiculous claim has never held much water.

Other claims of negligent hiring and retention by Uber were dismissed due to insufficient facts. This case highlights important issues regarding rideshare companies taking responsibility for their drivers' actions.

March 25, 2024 - Judge Breyer Orders Uber to Turn Over Documents Provided to the Government.

Judge Charles Breyer has ordered the rideshare company to immediately turn over all documents that previously were provided to governmental agencies in their investigations of sexual assaults at Uber. It will be interesting to see just how cavalier Uber was about passenger and women's safety. 

It is our belief Uber has done little to safeguard passengers from the foreseeable criminal conduct of drivers by utilizing adequate safety measures. There have simply been too many reported sexual assaults and sexual assault allegations for Uber to look the other way this long. 

March 4, 2024 - Another Rideshare Company's Attempt to Avoid Responsibility Denied

A Connecticut lawsuit filed against rideshare company Lyft (one of Uber's largest competitors) has survived a motion to dismiss filed by Lyft. In that case, a 14-year-old girl was taken across state lines into New York, where she was allegedly sexually abused. The girl's parents brought suit against Lyft for negligence since the driver did not confirm the girl's age before transporting her, even though Lyft has a company driver policy that minors cannot be driven alone.

Lyft tried to get federal court to dismiss the case claiming it is not responsible for its driver's actions. The federal court, however, allowed the parents to amend their complaint to add claims for vicarious liability and negligent infliction of emotional distress and drop a count based on negligent supervision. The judge specifically noted that Lyft's driver policy about solo minor riders shows the company anticipated this scenario and the possible harm involved.

Although this is not an Uber case, it shows how some judges are not likely to allow big rideshare companies to shirk their responsibility, especially for at-risk riders.

February 17, 2024 - Master Complaint Approved in Uber MDL

A master complaint has been filed in this MDL to help new plaintiffs join the consolidated process. This document summarizes the allegations and demands that are common to all plaintiffs' claims. Specifically, the master complaint alleges that even though Uber was aware its drivers were sexually assaulting passengers since 2014, it prioritized company growth and profit over passenger safety.

The complaint further states that Uber could have used safety measures such as in-vehicle cameras, biometric checks, and stronger background screenings to help protect passengers and riders. It also alleges that Uber allowed drivers with sexual misconduct histories to continue driving. Finally, the document demands compensatory damages for injured plaintiffs and punitive damages to punish Uber's actions.

February 15, 2024 - Lyft Sexual Assault Lawsuit Filed by Florida Woman Raped by Driver

A recent lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California alleges a Lyft driver sexually assaulted her. Even more disturbing is the Lyft driver followed the passenger and allegedly forced his way into her residence before raping the victim. 

The Lyft sexual abuse lawsuit alleges the rideshare company failed in its duty to safeguard passengers by utilizing routine safety precautions. Further, the lawsuit alleges Lyft of engaging in negligent retention and hiring by failing to conduct a background check on its drivers. We are dealing with similar issues in the Uber sexual assault MDL. We believe Uber did little in the way of performing necessary background checks. In fact, we have noted numerous allegations of sexual assaults by Uber drivers throughout the nation. 

February 12, 2024 - Uber Sexual Assault MDL Reaches 100 Lawsuits

The 100th lawsuit was filed into the Uber sexual assault MDL this week. While this is a slower-growing mass tort as opposed to commercial products, this lawsuit continues to grow. We attribute the slower pace of growth to the lack of advertisements concerning this lawsuit on television and radio and sexual assault survivors being reticent to speak out about what they went through. We anticipate there will be over 300 sexual assault cases filed into the MDL by this summer.

February 11, 2024 - Additional Feedback on Uber's Appeal of JPML

As previously stated, Uber has argued the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) abused its discretion in creating the sexual assault multidistrict litigation (MDL) and ignoring the various state laws in play. However, the JPML has never been overruled or reversed on its decision to centralize cases, and this appears to be nothing more than a Hail-Mary or stalling tactic.

February 6, 2024 - Uber Fighting to Dismantle Sexual Assault MDL - Uber Files Appeal

On October 4, 2023, the JPML decided to consolidate all federal cases filed by Uber passengers who claim Uber rideshare drivers sexually assaulted them. Last week, Uber attempted to convince Judge Breyer to disband the MDL while we wait to receive the appellate court's decision on this issue.

Uber argued the formation of the MDL was an abuse of discretion and didn't take into account the various state laws consistent rulings that would apply to these cases. Uber knew it could not give any precedence for this argument since no one has overturned a Panel's MDL decision during its 55-year history.

January 17, 2024 – Court Scheduled to Resolve Consequential Dispute Over Cut-Off Date

When the Ninth Circuit agreed to reconsider the merits of the Uber sexual assault multidistrict litigation, the rideshare company moved to prohibit the enrollment of new claims. In recent days, plaintiffs implored Judge Gergel to reject the request, arguing that denying entrance into the MDL would undermine the integrity of the legal proceedings. The court is poised to resolve the issue after a status conference on January 19.

We have noted six new lawsuits filed by Uber passengers alleging sexual abuse by drivers. Two of other women in the six lawsuits alleged reports of rape. All six lawsuits alleged that Uber failed to implement even basic safety measures to safeguard all passengers and ensure rider safety for those utilizing the rideshare app.

January 10, 2024 – District Court Requests Supreme Court of California to Address Legal Questions

Uber's attempt to deny liability in select cases constituting the rideshare sexual assault multidistrict litigation (MDL) has prompted the Ninth Circuit to request the intervention of the California Supreme Court. The situation arose after a plaintiff in the MDL argued that Uber could be held liable for the sexual assault she experienced at the hands of a former Uber driver who continued to present himself as an independent contractor after his termination. 

The rideshare company has said that it cannot be held liable for the crimes of an individual who was not actively working as a driver. 

January 4, 2024 – Uber Sexual Assault Attorneys and MDL at a Standstill Following Ruling from Ninth Circuit 

After failing to convince the court to remove the term “sexual assault” from the case name, Uber succeeded in requesting a hearing to dismiss the MDL. The rideshare company has long argued that the consolidation of individual lawsuits for pretrial proceedings was inappropriate on account of the diversity of claims, injuries, and applicable laws they pose. 

In response to the December ruling from the appeals court, Uber requested a two-month stay for the proceedings of the MDL. At this point in time, neither the recently appointed Plaintiffs' Steering Committee nor Judge Breyer have responded to Uber's motion.

December 12, 2023 - Uber Loses Bid to Remove "Sexual Assault" from MDL Title, Sexual Assault Victims Feel Vindicated

The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) issues an opinion they will not change or remove the term "sexual assault" from its name for federal Uber sexual assault cases that have been brought before Judge Breyer in the Northern District of California. Uber's lawyers claimed the term presumed judgment against the defendant and cited other MDLs wherein the name was changed. 

October 11, 2023 - Uber's Sexual Assault Cases Centralized in Northern California

A panel of Federal Judges that comprise the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has consolidated nearly eighty (80) lawsuits before Judge Charles R. Breyer in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The consolidation of all existing federal lawsuits is known as multidistrict litigation (MDL), and the number of lawsuits within the MDL will only grow from here.

October 11, 2023 - Uber Sexual Assault Cases Centralized in Northern California

A panel of Federal Judges that comprise the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) has consolidated nearly eighty (80) lawsuits before Federal Judge Charles R. Breyer in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.

The consolidation of all existing federal Uber sexual assault civil lawsuits is known as multidistrict litigation (MDL), and the number of lawsuits within the MDL will only grow from here. All pending civil lawsuits made against Uber in Federal Court have now been consolidated, and we expect cases pending in California's JCCP (Joint Coordinated Civil Proceedings) to be transferred into the new MDL. We believe all pending litigation will inevitably be consolidated into the new Uber sex assault MDL.

How many people have been sexually harassed or assaulted in an Uber?

The exact number of people who have been sexually assaulted or harassed in an Uber is very hard to calculate.

A lack of reporting, uninvestigated and under-investigated cases, confidential reports, and the lack of a specific database just for Uber sexual assaults all contributed to a lack of understanding about how many cases actually happen each year.

More than 13% of all rides involve sexual harassment or sex crimes. This means thousands of people are still victims of sexual abuse each day. Remember, this percentage includes harassment and not necessarily sexual assault.

When it comes to the percentage of Uber riders who have been assaulted, that number is less than 1% because of the sheer volume of rides Uber provides every day. As of 2024, Uber provides an average of 23 million rides every single day worldwide.

Uber's safety data states that there is an average of 3,000 to 7,000 sexual assaults reported annually. These reports—which again are likely a fraction of the true number, encompass a range of incidents from non-consensual touching to forcible rape. It's important to remember that these figures only reflect cases reported to Uber itself.

Uber Sexual Assault Data for 2019

• 513 - Non-consensual kissing of a non-sexual body part
• 202 - Attempted non-consensual sexual penetration
• 1526 - Non-consensual touching of a sexual body part
• 338 - Non-consensual kissing of a sexual body part
• 247 - Non-consensual sexual penetration

Uber Sexual Assault Data for 2020

• 137 - Non-consensual kissing of a non-sexual body part
• 82 - Attempted non-consensual sexual penetration
• 528 - Non-consensual touching of a sexual body part
• 110 - Non-consensual kissing of a sexual body part
• 141 - Non-consensual sexual penetration

Uber Sexual Assault Data for 2017

• 570 - Non-consensual kissing of a non-sexual body part
• 307 - Attempted non-consensual sexual penetration
• 1440 - Non-consensual touching of a sexual body part
• 390 - Non-consensual kissing of a sexual body part
• 229 - Non-consensual sexual penetration

Uber Sexual Assault Data for 2018

• 594 - Non-consensual kissing of a non-sexual body part
• 280 - Attempted non-consensual sexual penetration
• 1560 - Non-consensual touching of a sexual body part
• 376 - Non-consensual kissing of a sexual body part
• 235 - Non-consensual sexual penetration

Does Uber keep track of the number of sexual assaults committed in their vehicles?

After a 2018 CNN report disclosed dozens of common allegations of sexual violence crimes perpetrated by Uber drivers, the company began an exhaustive investigation and compiled its first US safety report, released in 2019.

Uber has released two US Safety Reports—the first for 2017-2018 and the second for 2019-2020—which show thousands of severe safety incidents occur every year.

The reports categorized the offenses and noted that the sexual assaults (non-consensual sexual contact) fell into one of five categories:

• Kissing a non-sexual body part
• Kissing a sexual body part
• Touching a sexual body part
• Attempted sexual penetration
• Sexual penetration

How many women Uber drivers have been sexually assaulted?

The exact number of women Uber drivers who have been sexually assaulted is not known due to a lack of information from public sources or Uber's own safety reports.

However, there have been numerous documented cases involving Uber drivers who have reported sexual assaults by Uber passengers.

Although most reports primarily focus on the experiences of passengers, not drivers, it's important to note that sexual assault can happen to both drivers and passengers, and these incidents are just as serious.

Just like a woman or man by themselves getting into a stranger's car can be dangerous, letting a strange man into your car while you are driving for Uber can be dangerous too.

Defining Sexual Assault 

Although sexual assault is often used as a broad term to encompass any kind of unwanted sexual contact or overture, the actual definition is more specific. In an Uber rideshare claim involving sexual assault, this distinction is important because it emphasizes the severity of the violation. A sexual assault describes the perpetration of a sexual act against a non-consenting party.

In cases where a passenger is underage, intoxicated, asleep, or mentally incapacitated, there is already an implied lack of consent to sexual activity, and the term sexual assault would still be applicable. Sexual assault is used to reference a single incident, which may involve people of any gender, size, age, race, or occupation. That said, the dynamic in most Uber sexual assaults is a male driver violating a female passenger.

Examples of what can be considered sexual assault can include:

• Nonconsensual kissing of a non-sexual body part
• Groping over or under clothing
• Nonconsensual Touching of genitals, breasts, or buttocks
• Non-consensual sexual penetration of the vagina or anus with digits or an object
• Rape or attempted rape
• Being forced, coerced, or pressured to perform sexual acts

It is important not to confuse sexual assaults with physical assaults. Not all sexual assaults consist of violent physical encounters. Sexual assaults are not always violent crimes.

Sexual Assault Versus Sexual Harassment and Sexual Abuse

Sexual assault is a step beyond sexual harassment because it involves an act of physical aggression, even if the act is not overtly violent. Sexual harassment is usually expressed verbally, digitally, or written down. The quintessential example is catcalling, where one person makes a crude or sexually suggestive comment to a stranger on the street. Sending explicit pictures, asking for sexual favors, and making jokes that target another person's sexual preferences or experiences are all examples.

There are a number of contexts where sexual harassment can occur, including the workplace, schools, hospitals, churches, the military, stores, and virtually any public space. Sexual harassment issues are generally handled internally by an institution or in a civil claim.

The term sexual assault can also be conflated with sexual abuse. Like sexual assault, it can happen to anyone, but it is more common in situations where there is a power imbalance. The dynamic allows the perpetrator to repeatedly harm the disadvantaged party, which is what separates abuse from assault. In many cases, sexual abuse involves an adult hurting a child or a vulnerable person, such as someone who is disabled, elderly, or homeless. Places such as churches, schools, and nursing homes are common sites that provide opportunities for sexual predators and abusers to prey on others.

Sexual Assault Can Result in Physical and Mental Injuries for Survivors 

Many people think of sexual assault as a violent event, and it can be. Perpetrators may use restraints, weapons, or sheer force to subdue their target in order to sexually assault them. In some cases, injury may be inflicted even if the person being assaulted does not physically resist. There can also be internal damage resulting from the physical assault itself. However, the majority of sexual assaults produce minimal physical injuries. Too often, this is used to gaslight or discredit survivors, which can compound their mental trauma.

The reality is that whether a perpetrator used physical violence, intimidation, manipulation, or some other tactic to carry out a sexual assault, survivors are left with mental scars, even if they do not have corresponding physical injuries.

Types of Injuries Associated With Sexual Assault

• Tears or bruising to the vagina, anus, or mouth
• Trauma to the face, including broken teeth
• Bruising to the wrists, inner thighs, or genitals
• Cuts or burns
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Anxiety 
• Depression
• Unwanted pregnancy
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The impact of a sexual assault on victim's life varies widely from person to person, and there is no one right way to process this kind of trauma. Tragically, it is not uncommon for survivors to minimize their experience by rationalizing that it could have been worse or even blame themselves for the assault.

In the aftermath of a sexual assault, many survivors struggle with issues like self-esteem, substance abuse, eating disorders, self-harm, and even suicidal ideation. Survivors with a strong support system, as well as access to mental and physical healthcare, often fare better with recovery.

Sexual assault is one of the most common crimes in the United States. According to a recent report, a sexual assault incident occurs every 68 seconds. 

Rideshares are no stranger to growing sexual assault claims. Both Uber and Lyft were hit with thousands of lawsuits from alleged SA victims. 

These Lyft and Uber sexual assault lawsuits have one thing in common. All claimants allege that Uber and Lyft provided no meaningful safety features to prevent sexual assault incidents. They also claim that these rideshare companies offered no recourse when they reached out.

Uber and Lyft Sexual Assault Statistics

Although rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have existed for over a decade, we have limited data about the rate of sexual assault perpetrated by their drivers. Uber has released two reports containing statistics about the sexual assault complaints it has received, and Lyft has issued one report. The data portrays a grim picture of rideshare safety, particularly for female passengers.

In its first report, Uber revealed that there were 5,981 reports of incidents involving sexual assault committed by misconduct during 2017 and 2018. Lyft reported 2,351 sexual assault incidents during the same time period, which should not necessarily be interpreted to mean that Lyft rides are safer, as Uber dominates Lyft in the rideshare market in the U.S. Uber's report divides the allegations into five different categories, including rape, attempted rape, non-consensual kissing of a sexual body part, non-consensual kissing of another body part, and non-consensual touching of a sexual body part.

Both Uber and Lyft reported increasing numbers of rape between 2017 and 2019. Uber documented 247 rapes in 2019, and Lyft disclosed 156 rapes in the same year. Riders are overwhelmingly the targets in cases of rape. Both rideshare companies experienced a major disruption of service due to COVID-19, likely explaining the decrease in incidents during 2020. Despite receiving thousands of assault complaints, Uber and Lyft, both claim that 99% of their trips are completed “without incident”. 

Uber released their 2022 U.S. safety report indicating 141 rapes (nonconsensual sexual penetration) were reported to the company, along with 998 sexual assaults during that calendar year.

These companies failed to protect riders whom their drivers victimized.

Sexual harrasment and assault victims deserve to tell their stories and receive fair compensation for their injuries. 

Ultimately, hiring an Uber sexual assault lawyer makes it possible to stand up against powerful rideshare companies and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.

Lyft Sexual Assaults May Be More Common Than Once Thought

Lyft reported more than 4000 incidents of sexual assault between 2017 and 2019.

This includes 2300 incidents of non-consensual touching of a sexual body part

And, most disturbing, 360 incidents of forced penetration (rape, though other types of rapes were reported in separate categories. We are presently representing several individuals who were victims of nonconsensual sexual penetration. Our victims allege a lack of simple safety protocols and procedures contributed to their sexual and physical assault.

And since Uber has a much larger market share of rideshares, it is very likely that incidents of sexual assault and rape are much higher among Uber—despite these statistics being horrifyingly high.

While the plaintiffs in the Uber sexual assault claims will hopefully receive the compensation and acknowledgment that they deserve, the hope is that the need for such claims can be eliminated. Obviously, the responsibility for preventing sexual assault lies with individual drivers and Uber. As a passenger, you may be able to diminish your risk by implementing the following safety precautions..

• Set your pick-up location to a well-lit, public place
• Make sure your phone is charged
• Travel with at least one other person, if possible
• Check the vehicle's license plate and the driver's picture before getting in
• Ask the driver to confirm the name of who they are picking up
• Sit in the backseat of the vehicle and check that the child locks are off
• Use Uber's Share Trip feature to let someone else track your route
• If you have been drinking, make sure someone else knows that you are taking an Uber home
• Always act as if you have someone expecting you at your destination at a certain time, specifically a male family member, friend, or partner
• Keep self-defense tools handy
• Start recording with your phone if your driver starts behaving inappropriately or makes you feel unsafe, and send it to someone you trust as a backup 
• If something feels wrong, use the 911 button in the app to contact the authorities, dial 911 yourself, or message the person who can see your route and ask them to call 911

What to Do If You Were Sexually Assaulted by Your Uber Driver

While the majority of Uber rides are completed without incident, it is wise to be prepared if you or someone you know is sexually assaulted by an Uber driver.

Get out of the vehicle as soon as it is safe, and get to a public place. You may be in shock, but it is important to seek medical attention immediately, especially if you suffered severe injuries or were drugged. If you decide to file a claim later on, medical evidence will be essential to validate the severity of your injuries and your account of events to the defendant's representative.

At the hospital, you can decide to do a rape kit or opt just to receive treatment. During this type of exam, a provider who specializes in dealing with survivors of sexual assault will collect DNA evidence and document your injuries. Generally, if you are at least 18, completing a rape kit does not mean that you have to file a police report. This simply preserves evidence so that you have options in the future. If you can, do your best to gather your own physical evidence first.

Take pictures and videos of your interaction with the driver, your injuries, and their profile on the Uber app. Document every detail you remember, including what time you were picked up and your destination. As a result of this experience, you may have medical bills, need to take a few days off of work, and have ongoing mental health issues from the trauma.

Even if you are not interested in pressing criminal charges, you should consider filing a personal injury claim to seek compensation to deal with the damages. Start by researching experienced sexual assault attorneys and taking advantage of a free consultation to see if you can see yourself trusting them to represent you.

Types of Damages Available in an Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit

The purpose of civil claims, like personal injury lawsuits, differs from criminal prosecution in that personal injury claims are meant to reimburse the injured party for the losses caused by the defendant's actions, while criminal courts are focused on punishing the defendant and deterring the behavior. The plaintiff's losses, or damages, can include monetary costs and the emotional toll associated with their injuries. 

For financial losses, for example, survivors may be burdened by the price of ongoing therapy or take medication to treat their trauma-related anxiety. Financial costs like these would be considered economic damages. The plaintiff's emotional distress or intangible losses, such as being unable to have a sexual relationship with their spouse or debilitating anxiety, can be compensated as non-economic damages. Examples of the damages you can claim in an Uber sexual assault lawsuit include:

• Medical bills
• Mental anguish
• Lost wages
• Loss of consortium

Rideshare Companies Like Uber and Lyft Do Not Have Your Best Interest In Mind

Rideshare companies may treat sexual sexual and physical assault claims with indifference. Many of them ignore claims backed by concrete physical evidence of sexual assault and rape.

In recent years, 14 women sued Lyft for mishandling their claims. These women accused Lyft of intentionally preventing law enforcement officials from investigating legitimate cases of sexual assault while failing to perform background checks on drivers. 

The verdict is clear.

Rideshare companies will devote tremendous resources to protecting themselves from scandal, bad press, and damaging lawsuits. 

If you survived a sexual assault, you can't count on the rideshare company to have your best interests in mind. The best way to look out for yourself is by hiring an attorney to represent you in court and hold them accountable. 

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft owe a high duty of care to passengers. This is because they regularly match passengers with drivers, who are strangers.

Unfortunately, Lyft only recently required its drivers to undergo continuous background check monitoring. However, this basic security measure is not enough to protect passengers from sexual assault.

How Rideshare Companies Fail to Protect Passengers

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft owe a high duty of care to passengers. This is because they regularly match passengers with drivers who are strangers.

Unfortunately, Lyft only recently required its drivers to undergo continuous background check monitoring. However, this basic security measure is not enough to protect passengers from sexual assault.

What’s more, Lyft’s only major security feature is for passengers to call 911 to report sexual assault during or after it takes place. 

If a rideshare driver sexually assaulted you, the company may bear responsibility.

Hire a Lyft and Uber sexual assault attorney to represent you. Rideshare companies traditionally don’t respond well to solo claims. The best way to hold them accountable is by filing an Uber or Lyft sexual assault lawsuit with a reputable personal injury lawyer by your side. 

Understanding Your Rights as a Survivor of Uber Sexual Assault

If you are a survivor of Uber sexual assault, you should understand your rights so that you can make sure you get justice and financial compensation for your losses.

If you were a victim, you have the legal right to file a lawsuit against the assailant and possibly against Uber so that you can recover compensation for the damages caused by the attack.

You have the right to file a lawsuit against the Uber driver for anything that was non-consensual, ranging from unwanted touch to rape.

If you were the victim of an Uber sexual assault, you also have the right to file a civil lawsuit against the Uber company for negligent hiring and other acts of negligence, depending on the circumstances.

Of course, your rights also include the right to file criminal charges against the perpetrator to hold them criminally responsible for their actions.

Both of these actions could help to prevent some other person from being attacked in the future; first, by getting the perpetrator off the streets, and second, by forcing Uber to take more responsibility when it comes to the people they hire to work for their company.

Civil vs. Criminal Proceedings

Victims of Uber sexual assault have the right to seek justice through the criminal justice system and through civil litigation.

Criminal courts seek to hold the attacker accountable through the criminal justice system with repercussions like imprisonment and fines.

Civil courts seek to hold any and all parties responsible for the assault accountable by obtaining financial compensation to cover the victim's damages, such as medical bills and pain and suffering. If someone is attacked while using Uber's services, you can file a civil lawsuit against them and the attacker.

Uber has already faced numerous civil lawsuits filed by passengers who were sexually assaulted by their drivers. There are hundreds of these lawsuits being filed as more and more people are realizing that a personal injury lawsuit against Uber is even possible. Most people just assumed that Uber couldn't be held responsible or was too big to take on.

Uber sexual assault victims can pursue both criminal charges and civil lawsuits at the same time if they choose.

And finally, victims of an Uber sexual assault have the right to seek legal counsel. You do not, nor should you, handle any of this alone. Hiring an experienced lawyer who is familiar with Uber sexual assault cases and is used to taking giant corporations head-on.

How You Should Navigate Your Sexual Assault Claim

A successful sexual assault claim requires a substantial preponderance of evidence. This means you'll need convincing evidence that proves the rideshare company was negligent in handling your ride.

Here are some ways you can help bolster your claim while hiring an attorney:

• After an Uber or Lyft sexual assault, visit a hospital immediately and call the police. Medical treatment for your injuries and a sexual assault forensic exam (also known as a rape kit) can reinforce your case.
• File a police report. Provide as many details as possible. Try to remember the license plate number, vehicle make and model, and driver's description. Ideally, give the police a full account of what happened to you. 
• Report the incident to the rideshare company to begin a paper trail of your incident.
• Take screenshots of your ride information in the app to show you were in the same vehicle as the assailant.
• Take pictures of your injuries to show in court.
• Hire a rideshare sexual assault lawyer to gather evidence, find eyewitnesses, and file your claim.

Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit FAQs

Is Arbitration With the Rideshare App Necessary?

Arbitration and mediation aren't required if you file a sexual assault claim against a rideshare app. These companies may pursue either process on a case-by-case basis. 

As a result, take matters into your own hands by hiring an Uber sexual assault attorney. Calling on an Uber sexual assault lawyer will end in two outcomes: You'll either take your claim to court or negotiate a settlement. You're more likely to settle out of court.

What Is the Deadline to File a Sexual Assault?

The deadline, or statute of limitations, for a sexual assault claim, varies by the state where the incident took place. Consult your attorney to find out the specific statute of limitations in your state so you can move forward.

Evidence of a sexual assault can quickly disappear as well, so please call LLN today and we can connect you with a rideshare sexual assault lawyer.

Is There an Uber Sexual Assault Mass Tort? Is an MDL a Good Thing?

Since the number of Uber sexual assault lawsuits has been growing rapidly, the cases were recently consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) which allows major parts of all the lawsuits to be done at once to save time for everyone involved.

When a large number of lawsuits are put into an MDL, they are all settled at once in what is called a global settlement. If everything goes well, Uber and any other named defendants will have to pay for the damages they caused the victims through their negligent practices and lack of recourse.

Since an MDL is settled all at once, it is usually a large amount of money that is then split up among the defendants. Each case is ranked based on its severity, injuries, and strength of evidence. Because of this method, it not only ensures you will get your money much sooner than an individual case (assuming there are thousands of similar cases pending), but you may get a higher amount of compensation depending on the tier you fall into.

The Scope of Uber's Responsibility in Sexual Assault Cases

Uber's responsibility when it comes to sexual assault cases often hinges on the legal principles of negligence and direct liability claims.

Negligence suggests that Uber has a fundamental duty of care to protect the safety of its passengers. When this duty is breached, like during a sexual assault, Uber can be held liable. This includes scenarios where the company may have failed to perform adequate oversight or failed to ensure proper safety protocols.

One critical aspect of these lawsuits often involves claims of negligent hiring.

If an Uber driver is accused of sexual assault and was not subjected to go through a thorough background check, Uber could be held liable for negligent hiring. These serious issues could point to significant problems in Uber's vetting processes, which aren't as strict as industry standards for screening potential employees because the drivers never meet anyone from Uber, updates are not done regularly, and things can be forged through Uber's app.

When defending itself against these allegations, Uber typically argues that it should not be held liable for the actions of its drivers because the driver is an independent contractor rather than a traditional employee.

Uber also contends that its background checks are up to industry norms. However, the company routinely faces criticism because of deceptive claims about the safety of its service, which only makes things harder for its legal team.

How Can a Rideshare Sexual Assault Lawyer Help You?

Rideshare companies, like Uber and Lyft, are massive corporate enterprises. These companies are armed to the teeth with experienced legal teams who will do their best to protect their client, aka Uber.

Specialized Legal Support

A specialized Uber sexual assault lawyer is not just an attorney but a crucial ally in the fight for justice and compensation for survivors. These lawyers bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the complexities involved in sexual assault cases linked to rideshare scenarios. They are well-versed in navigating the legal framework that governs such incidents, ensuring that survivors receive the most effective representation possible. With their expertise, they can identify and leverage applicable laws to the survivor’s advantage, providing a tailored legal strategy that addresses the unique aspects of each case.

Expert Legal Advice and Updates

An experienced Uber sexual assault lawyer plays an essential role in keeping survivors informed and prepared throughout the legal process. They demystify the often complex legal proceedings, offering clear, concise advice on the steps involved and what to expect at each stage of the journey. Their knowledge allows them to anticipate potential hurdles and prepare strategies to overcome them, ensuring that survivors are not only kept in the loop but are also an active part of the decision-making process. This continuous flow of information and advice is vital for keeping survivors empowered and engaged as their case progresses.

Guidance Through Reporting Processes

Reporting a sexual assault within the context of a rideshare experience can be daunting. Specialized attorneys provide invaluable guidance through this critical stage, helping survivors navigate the reporting process on both legal and platform-specific fronts. They assist in organizing and documenting the incident comprehensively, ensuring that all relevant details are captured accurately for future reference. This meticulous preparation forms the backbone of the legal case, providing a robust foundation upon which to build the legal arguments and strategies needed to pursue justice. With their support, survivors can rest assured that their case is being presented as convincingly and compellingly as possible.

Navigating Legal Complexities

The legal system can be overwhelming, especially for survivors of sexual assault seeking justice against perpetrators associated with large, well-resourced companies like Uber. An Uber sexual assault lawyer specializes in cutting through this complexity, offering a clear path forward for their clients. By representing the survivor’s interests at every turn, they ensure that their voice is heard and their rights are protected. They skillfully navigate the intricate legal landscape, from pre-trial proceedings to potential settlements or court trials, advocating tirelessly on the survivor’s behalf. Their expertise not only maximizes the chance of a favorable outcome but also helps shield survivors from the additional stress of facing the legal system alone.

Resources for Survivors of Sexual Abuse in an Uber or Lyft

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, here are some resources that can help:

• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE
• Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): RAINN: https://www.rainn.org

Reach Out to Lawsuit Legal News for More Information About Your Rideshare Sexual Assault Claim

The Uber sexual assault attorneys who are part of LLN's legal team are devoted to helping sexual assault survivors seek justice and fair compensation. We believe that many rideshare companies like Uber have failed in their duty to protect sexual assault victims through reasonable security precautions. If you're ready to begin your rideshare sexual assault claim, call (866) 535-9515 today or complete our online contact form for your free consultation. 

We will stand by your side throughout the legal process. Every sexual assault case is different. Our lawyers are experienced in handling claims that arise out of sexual violence and are trained to be empathetic to your needs. We offer a free and confidential consultation to all sexual assault survivors. 

If you have suffered sexual assault at the hands of an Uber driver or Lyft driver, call us today at (866) 535-9515. Our sexual assault lawyers have years of experience handling these nuanced claims and the resources to take on any sized defendant. You relied on the Uber platform for safe transportation. It is time to hold Uber accountable for doing little to safeguard their passengers by utilizing appropriate safety precautions.