The Unspoken Risk of Ridesharing: What Happens When Trust is Broken

An uber sexual assault attorney helps survivors hold rideshare companies accountable when their trust is violated. These specialists understand the unique legal challenges of suing platforms like Uber and Lyft, navigating complex liability issues, and fighting to secure compensation for survivors.

Why You Need a Specialized Attorney:

• Prove Company Liability: Demonstrate Uber’s negligence in driver screening and safety.
• Maximize Compensation: Pursue all damages, including medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Steer Complex Litigation: Handle Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) and rideshare-specific legal defenses.
• Protect Your Rights: Work on a contingency basis (no fees unless you win) and ensure confidentiality.

Uber’s own safety reports reveal a disturbing pattern. Between 2017 and 2020, at least 9,805 individuals reported a sexual assault involving Uber, with another 2,717 reports in 2021-2022. Lyft reported over 1,800 sexual assaults in 2019 alone. These numbers represent thousands of lives changed by a breach of trust.

Sexual assault in a rideshare includes unwanted touching, sexual comments, coercion, rape, and indecent exposure. It can happen when a driver takes an unfamiliar route, when a passenger is vulnerable, or even involve another passenger in a shared ride.

Uber’s primary defense is classifying drivers as independent contractors to avoid liability. However, civil lawsuits have successfully argued that the company’s negligence—such as inadequate background checks and ignoring red flags—makes them liable for foreseeable risks.

If you were assaulted during a rideshare, you have legal rights. An attorney can help you seek justice and compensation for medical bills, therapy, lost income, and emotional trauma. I’m Mason Arnao, and I’ve researched how survivors can find the right uber sexual assault attorney. This guide will help you understand your legal options.

Understanding Uber’s Liability and Your Legal Grounds for a Lawsuit

When you use a rideshare service, you trust the company to get you to your destination safely. If that trust is broken by sexual assault, you have legal options, even if the company denies responsibility.

What Constitutes Sexual Assault During an Uber Ride?

Sexual assault in a rideshare covers a wide range of non-consensual sexual behavior, including:

• Unwanted touching: A driver touching your leg, hand, or kissing you without permission.
• Sexual comments and harassment: Explicit remarks, inappropriate questions, or suggestive propositions.
• Coercion: Being pressured into sexual activity through intimidation or threats.
• Rape: Any non-consensual penetration.
• Indecent exposure or masturbation by a driver or passenger.

These acts can be perpetrated by drivers against passengers, passengers against other passengers, or passengers against drivers. The key element is the lack of consent. If you were intoxicated, asleep, or otherwise unable to give clear consent, any sexual act is assault. For more details, visit our page on Rideshare Sexual Assault Lawsuits.

Legal Responsibility: Can Uber Be Held Liable?

Uber’s main defense is that its drivers are independent contractors, a classification they use to avoid responsibility for drivers’ actions. However, courts are increasingly rejecting this argument because Uber maintains significant control over its drivers, from setting rates to deactivating accounts.

Successful lawsuits focus on negligence, proving the company failed to take reasonable steps to protect passengers. This includes:

• Negligent Hiring and Inadequate Background Checks: Uber’s safety reports document thousands of assaults, and lawsuits have revealed that their screening process can be insufficient, allowing drivers with criminal histories or problematic behavior to slip through.
• Failure to Monitor: Not investigating passenger complaints thoroughly or failing to remove problem drivers quickly enough.

In many areas, rideshare companies are being held to a common carrier duty, the same high standard of care for passenger safety that applies to taxis and buses. An experienced uber sexual assault attorney knows how to cut through corporate defenses and prove the company’s failures contributed to your assault. For more on corporate liability, see our information on Sex Abuse Lawsuits.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Justice

Survivors have two potential paths for justice, which can be pursued at the same time.

• A criminal case is brought by the state against the assailant. The goal is criminal penalties like jail time, and the standard of proof is “beyond a reasonable doubt.” The prosecutor represents the state, not you directly.
• A civil lawsuit is filed by you (the survivor) to obtain financial compensation from the assailant and/or the rideshare company. The goal is compensation for damages like medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. The burden of proof is lower: “preponderance of the evidence” (more likely than not).

You can win a civil case even if no criminal charges are filed or if the criminal case does not result in a conviction. A civil lawsuit holds companies financially accountable for their role in the assault. Learn more about the process in our guide to Personal Injury Lawsuits.

Critical First Steps: How to Protect Yourself and Your Case Immediately After an Assault

The moments immediately following a sexual assault are often chaotic and traumatic. However, the actions you take can be crucial for your safety, well-being, and any potential legal action.

1. Prioritize Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention

Your safety and health are the top priority.

Get to a safe place immediately. If you’re in the vehicle, demand to be let out in a public, well-lit area. If the driver refuses, call 911.

Call 911. Reporting the incident creates an official record that is crucial for any future legal action. The police report documents what happened while details are fresh.

Go to a hospital or emergency room. Request a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) exam, also known as a rape kit. These specially trained nurses collect and preserve physical evidence like DNA and fibers. This evidence is vital, especially in cases with no other witnesses. You can have the evidence collected even if you are undecided about pressing charges.

Document everything. Take photos of any injuries, such as bruises or scratches, and torn clothing. The hospital will also create medical records documenting your injuries. Medical care is not just for evidence; it’s for your well-being. For more guidance, RAINN offers helpful information at their resource page on sexual assault.

2. Report the Incident and Preserve Evidence

After ensuring your safety, focus on reporting the incident and preserving all evidence for your case.

• Report to Uber or Lyft: Use the in-app safety features or contact support immediately. This creates an official record with the company and should lead to the driver’s deactivation.
• File a police report: This creates an official, documented record of the assault. Provide as much detail as you can recall about the driver, vehicle, and route. Obtain a copy of the report for your records.
• Screenshot everything: This digital evidence is critical. Capture the driver’s profile (name, photo), vehicle information (make, model, license plate), the ride map, and timestamps. Save your own copies, as company records can sometimes disappear.
• Save all communications: Keep any messages with the driver and all correspondence with Uber or Lyft’s support team.
• Write down details: While the memory is fresh, note the driver’s appearance, the vehicle’s condition, and whether the driver deviated from the suggested route. Every detail can be significant.

This evidence will be invaluable when you work with an uber sexual assault attorney to build your case. For more tips on documentation, our resource on how to report a motor vehicle accident has applicable insights.

3. Understand the Long-Term Effects and Seek Support

The trauma of sexual assault often has long-lasting emotional and physical consequences. Understanding these effects is a key part of the healing process.

Survivors frequently suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which can cause flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety. The Mayo Clinic provides more information on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Depression is also common, along with panic attacks that can be triggered by reminders of the assault.

Physical effects can range from immediate injuries like bruising or broken bones to long-term issues such as chronic pain or gastrointestinal problems. Survivors also face the risk of sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy.

The psychological impact can strain relationships and make it difficult to trust others. Some survivors develop eating disorders, as explored by the NSVRC’s research on the connection between eating disorders and sexual violence, or turn to substance abuse to cope with the pain.

You are not alone. Support is available through therapists specializing in trauma, survivor support groups, and 24/7 crisis hotlines. Contacting an uber sexual assault attorney can also be an empowering step toward healing, allowing you to reclaim a sense of control and seek justice. Our network of Abuse Victim Lawyers understands this trauma and handles cases with compassion. Seeking help is an act of courage.

The Crucial Role of an Uber Sexual Assault Attorney

Uber and Lyft have teams of lawyers dedicated to protecting their bottom line. To fight back, you need a specialized uber sexual assault attorney who understands the unique landscape of rideshare litigation and can hold these corporations accountable.

How a Specialized Uber Sexual Assault Attorney Builds Your Case

A strong case is built through a methodical and compassionate approach:

• Investigating Uber’s Negligence: Your attorney will subpoena company records to examine driver histories, background check procedures, and whether previous complaints or red flags were ignored.
• Gathering Crucial Evidence: They collect police reports, medical records, and your ride data, but also seek out GPS data showing route deviations, the driver’s work history, and internal company communications.
• Handling All Communications: Your lawyer acts as your shield, dealing with Uber’s legal team and insurance adjusters to protect you from low-ball settlement offers and pressure tactics.
• Calculating Full Damages: They work with medical and economic experts to determine the full cost of the assault, including future therapy and lost earning capacity.
• Negotiating and Litigating: An experienced attorney knows Uber’s playbook and negotiates aggressively for a fair settlement. If necessary, they are prepared to take your case to trial.

Most importantly, the right attorney uses a trauma-informed perspective, approaching your case with the sensitivity and respect you deserve. Learn more about what a Personal Injury Lawyer can do for you.

Maximizing Your Compensation: Damages You Can Claim

Compensation, or “damages,” covers all financial and non-financial losses resulting from the assault.

Your attorney’s job is to fight for a settlement that reflects the full extent of your suffering. Some cases result in settlements of hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. For more on compensation, see our FAQ on what kind of compensation could victims receive.

Finding the Right Uber Sexual Assault Attorney for You

When choosing an attorney, look for specific qualifications:

• Experience with Rideshare Lawsuits: They must understand Uber’s independent contractor defense and the MDL process.
• A Proven Track Record: Ask about their history of success in similar cases.
• Contingency Fee Basis: You should pay no upfront costs. The attorney only gets paid if they win your case.
• Compassionate Representation: Your attorney should be empathetic, respectful, and a clear communicator.

Every reputable firm offers a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case without obligation. At Tort Advisor, we connect survivors with top-rated attorneys who meet these criteria. For help selecting representation, see our guide on finding the best injury lawyer.

Navigating the Legal System: Lawsuits, Settlements, and Company Tactics

Taking legal action against a corporate giant like Uber or Lyft is a difficult but important fight. Understanding the process and the company’s tactics can prepare you for the road ahead.

The Current Status of Uber & Lyft Lawsuits

Thousands of survivors have come forward, leading to a unique legal situation known as Multidistrict Litigation (MDL). In the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, over 2,271 individual lawsuits against Uber have been consolidated into a single MDL. This is not a class action; each survivor’s case remains individual, but the cases are grouped for efficiency during pre-trial proceedings. You can follow the Current MDL status for updates.

Within the MDL, bellwether trials act as test cases. The outcomes of these first few trials help influence settlement negotiations for the thousands of other pending cases.

Unfortunately, the company responses to allegations have been aggressive. They often refuse to accept responsibility and point to statistics about the percentage of trips without reported issues, which dismisses the thousands of survivors who were harmed. This challenging legal environment makes an experienced uber sexual assault attorney essential. For more on these lawsuits, visit our resource on Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuits.

Can You Sue if the Assailant Was Another Passenger?

Yes, you may have grounds to sue the rideshare company even if another passenger was the perpetrator. The company can be held accountable if its negligence created an unsafe situation.

Key factors include the driver’s duty to intervene—a driver who witnesses threatening behavior and does nothing may create liability for the company. Furthermore, company liability for unsafe environments can be argued if they failed to vet passengers, ignored warnings about problematic riders, or designed shared ride services in a way that prioritized profit over safety. An attorney can analyze the specifics of your case to determine if the company shares legal responsibility. For related information, explore our Lyft Accident Attorneys page.

Frequently Asked Questions about Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuits

Survivors considering legal action often have many questions. Here are clear, direct answers to some of the most common concerns.

Can I still file a lawsuit if I was intoxicated or don’t remember everything?

Yes, absolutely. Intoxication is not consent. If you were impaired or unconscious, you could not legally consent to sexual activity. It is not your fault. Experienced attorneys are skilled at building cases even with memory gaps from trauma, using digital evidence from the ride, medical records, and expert testimony to establish what happened.

What is the difference between the Uber MDL and a class action lawsuit?

In a class action, a settlement is divided among all members, often resulting in small, standardized payments. The Uber sexual assault Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) is different. While lawsuits are grouped for efficiency, each survivor’s case remains individual. This means your compensation is based on your specific damages, not averaged out among a large group. You can find more details on the Current MDL status page.

How much does it cost to hire an attorney for my case?

You pay nothing upfront. Reputable sexual assault attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means the attorney’s fee is a percentage of the compensation they recover for you. If they do not win your case, you owe them no legal fees. This system ensures that anyone can afford to seek justice, regardless of their financial situation.

Taking the First Step Towards Justice and Healing

If you are reading this, you have already taken a courageous first step by seeking information and understanding your options.

Sexual assault during a rideshare is a profound betrayal of trust. Companies like Uber and Lyft market themselves as safe, yet their failures have left thousands of survivors to deal with the consequences. You have rights, you have options, and you are not alone.

This guide has outlined the legal grounds for holding rideshare companies accountable and the critical steps to protect your case. A specialized uber sexual assault attorney can investigate company negligence, handle all legal complexities, and fight for the full compensation you deserve for medical costs, lost income, and emotional trauma.

Legal action is about more than money; it’s about reclaiming your power and holding a multi-billion dollar corporation accountable for prioritizing profit over safety. It can also secure the financial resources you need to heal.

At Tort Advisor, we connect survivors with top-rated attorneys who have proven track records in sexual assault cases against rideshare companies. Our network includes specialists serving every state, ready to provide compassionate and skilled representation. These attorneys offer free, confidential consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case.

You deserve justice and compensation for what you have endured. You don’t have to walk the path to healing alone.

Contact us for a free, confidential case evaluation today. Let us help you move forward.