Uber and Lyft sexual assault lawsuits are civil claims by passengers who say a rideshare driver sexually assaulted them and the company failed to keep riders safe. As of October 1, 2026, 4,916 Uber cases were pending in federal MDL 3084 and 134 Lyft cases in MDL 3171, both in the Northern District of California. No global settlement has been announced.

Edited by: Mason ArnaoUpdated: Purpose: educational information, not legal advice

Updates on Uber and Lyft Sexual Assault Lawsuits

Key facts (as of October 2026)

  • October 1, 2026: the JPML lists 4,916 pending of 5,221 total actions in Uber MDL 3084 (Judge Charles R. Breyer) and 134 pending of 148 in Lyft MDL 3171 (Judge Rita F. Lin).
  • February 5, 2026: the JPML centralized federal Lyft cases over Lyft's objection that they belonged in California's state proceeding, JCCP No. 5061.
  • September 30, 2025: the first California state-court trial against Uber ended in a defense verdict; the jury found Uber negligent but not a substantial factor in the harm.
  • February 2026: an Arizona federal jury awarded $8.5 million in the first Uber MDL bellwether trial.
  • April 20, 2026: the second bellwether ended in a $5,000 judgment, which Uber said it would appeal to the Fourth Circuit.
  • October 2, 2026: Uber's settlement of the third bellwether, set for trial in Texas, was announced; its terms are confidential.

What the lawsuits allege

The cases allege the companies failed to adequately screen and train drivers, respond to complaints about drivers, and adopt safety measures such as in-car video or audio monitoring. Lyft's federal cases raise similar questions but form a separate proceeding before a different judge.

Where the litigation stands

The three federal Uber bellwethers produced an $8.5 million award, a $5,000 judgment and a confidential settlement, so they do not set a value for other claims. The MDL court has also dismissed cases supported by fraudulent ride receipts. Our Uber settlement amounts page tracks verdicts and settlement news.

Who may qualify

These cases center on people assaulted by a driver during or in connection with a ride booked through the app. Useful records include the trip receipt, in-app messages, reports to the company or police, and medical or counseling records. Deadlines depend on the state where the assault occurred; our rideshare sexual assault lawsuit guide explains eligibility.

Where to get support

RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline is free, confidential and available 24/7 at 800-656-4673, with online chat at RAINN.org/hotline.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an Uber sexual assault settlement?

No global settlement had been announced as of October 2026. Uber has resolved some individual cases, including the third federal bellwether, whose confidential settlement was announced October 2, 2026. Trial outcomes so far range from a defense verdict to $8.5 million, so no published figure predicts what a particular claim is worth.

Are Uber and Lyft cases part of the same lawsuit?

No. Federal Uber cases are in MDL 3084 before Judge Charles R. Breyer, and federal Lyft cases are in MDL 3171 before Judge Rita F. Lin, both in the Northern District of California. Each company also faces coordinated California state cases: JCCP 5188 for Uber and JCCP 5061 for Lyft.

What records help a rideshare assault claim?

The app's trip receipt, driver details and in-app messages are central because they tie the assault to a specific ride. Reports to the company or police, medical or counseling records and the names of people you told can also help. The MDL court has dismissed cases supported by fraudulent receipts, so records must be genuine.

Sources

Related on TortAdvisor: Sexual abuse lawsuits · Rideshare sexual assault lawsuit guide · Uber and Lyft lawsuit update · Uber settlement amounts · Rideshare assault claims calculator

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