In an era where ridesharing services have become an integral part of our daily commutes, the safety and well-being of passengers must be a critical concern. Unfortunately, instances of sexual violence and misconduct in rideshare situations are a disturbing reality.
The alarming figures from Uber’s safety reports reveal a total of 9,805 reported instances of sexual assault between the years of 2017 and 2020 alone. [1].
WE ARE ONLY ACCEPTING SEXUAL ABUSE CASES INVOLVING INSTITUTIONS.
IF YOU HAVE A MATTER INVOLVING A RELATIVE OR ACQUAINTANCE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BAR ASSOCIATION
If you or a loved one has been a victim of sexual assault during a rideshare journey, a Chicago rideshare sexual assault attorney from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here to help.
Read on to learn more about the damages you may be eligible for, challenges that could arise in these cases, and what to do if you find yourself in this situation.
We handle all types of civil claims related to sexual assault incidents during rideshare experiences, passionately pursuing justice for each client.
We can help you pursue a Lyft or Uber sexual assault lawsuit in the following scenarios:
- Cases of sexual assault perpetrated by an Uber or Lyft driver
- Cases where a rideshare driver has been sexually assaulted by a passenger
- Cases of sexual assault by fellow Uber or Lyft passengers
In many situations, sexual assault cases fall under the personal injury statute of limitations, which is two years in the state of Illinois. Typically, the day of the sexual assault committed by a Lyft or Uber driver is the day the timeline begins.
However, there are exceptions, like when the crime committed is a Class X felony, such as aggravated criminal sexual assault. Aggravated criminal sexual assault is sexual assault with aggravating factors, like the use of a weapon or when the victim suffers bodily harm. If the victim is over 60 or has a physical disability, it’s another one of the many aggravating factors.
There is no statute of limitations for civil claims in cases where the defendant committed a class X felony and is convicted of the crime.
There can be exceptions to this deadline, so in any type of Lyft or Uber sexual assault case, it is crucial to consult with a legal expert to understand the specific time limits and legal options available in such cases.
Victims of rideshare sexual assault may be entitled to certain forms of compensation, some of the most common of which include:
- Medical bills to cover any injuries from sexual and physical assault
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages
The amount of financial compensation awarded in a Lyft or Uber sexual assault lawsuit can drastically fluctuate. There is no standard amount that applies to all incidents largely due to the unique nature of each case.
However, there are several factors that typically influence the final settlement amount or verdict award in each case:
- Severity and longevity of physical injuries
- Extent of emotional trauma
- Legal and court costs
- Strength of evidence
- Competence of your Uber and Lyft sexual assault lawyers
Victims of rideshare sexual assault often endure significant pain and emotional trauma. The repercussions typically extend far beyond the incident itself, profoundly impacting all facets of their lives. Some of the most common consequences after such an ordeal include the following:
- Loss of trust in rideshare services
- Reluctance to use public or shared transportation
- Anxiety in confined spaces
- Difficulty being alone with strangers
- Heightened vigilance
Rideshare sexual misconduct encompasses a broad spectrum of behaviors that occur during the usage of any rideshare service, including Uber or Lyft.
Specific examples include:
- Verbal harassment, like making inappropriate comments or jokes of a sexual nature.
- Inappropriate physical non-consensual touching, like groping, pinching, or brushing against the victim in a sexual manner without consent. Even non-consensual touching of a non-sexual body part could fall under this category.
- Sexual assault, which can refer to any type of unwanted sexual contact or behavior, including non-consensual sexual penetration.
- Sending unwanted messages or images to the passenger once the ride is accepted.
- Coercing the victim into sexual acts, which involves pressuring or manipulating the victim to engage in sexual acts against their will, either during or after the ride.
Filing Lyft or Uber sexual assault lawsuits can come with a variety of hurdles. Two of the most common difficulties include:
Collecting Evidence
Collecting meaningful evidence in these cases can be challenging, as most instances of misconduct or assault happen behind the closed doors of a vehicle, often with no other witnesses present. Uber Technologies and Lyft typically aren’t quick to provide information and help passengers prove their claims, making the legal process more difficult.
Disputes Over Company Liability
Most Uber and Lyft sexual assault lawsuits against the companies have been met with challenges stemming from them saying their role is merely connecting independent contractor drivers with riders and they are not responsible for any illegal activities conducted by these individuals.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit With Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Filing a personal injury lawsuit with Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers involves several important steps. Here’s what you can expect when working with our law firm:
- Free and confidential consultation
- Thorough evidence collection to support your claim
- Negotiation with insurers to ensure a fair settlmenet
- Trial representation if negotiations fail
- Emotional support throoughout the process
In rideshare sexual assault claims, proving negligence and determining liability is complex, as there can be multiple potentially responsible parties.
Lyft or Uber Drivers
The Lyft or Uber driver can be held directly liable for their actions if they committed the assault. They are responsible for ensuring the safety and respect of passengers during the ride.
The Rideshare Company
Rideshare companies can be held liable under certain circumstances, such as if it’s proven that Lyft or Uber failed to conduct adequate background checks for a criminal record, provided insufficient safety measures, or were otherwise negligent in their hiring and monitoring practices.
These companies should protect passengers from sex crimes and other violent crimes, and can be held accountable when they don’t.
Third-Party Contractors
If the rideshare company uses third-party contractors for background checks or other services related to driver employment, these contractors could be liable if their negligence contributed to the hiring of unsafe Uber and Lyft drivers. Failing to conduct an appropriate check could lead to sexual predators working as Uber or Lyft drivers, which is beyond unacceptable.
Other Passengers
In cases where another passenger commits the assault, that individual can be held liable for their actions.
Third-Party Businesses
If the assault occurred in connection with a business (e.g., a bar or hotel that partners with the rideshare service), that business might be liable if it played a role in the events leading to the assault.
Experiencing rideshare sexual misconduct can shake you to the core, but there is a path to justice and recovery. Knowing what steps to take if you ever experience this is essential. Here’s what you should consider doing:
- Immediately get to a safe place
- Report the incident
- Document everything you remember
- Seek medical attention
- Seek counseling and help from sexual assault victim advocates
- Contact Uber or Lyft sexual assault attorneys
Many rideshare sexual assault and sexual abuse victims might hesitate to file a legal claim due to anticipated expenses. However, hiring an attorney for this type of civil case does not require you to pay anything upfront.
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means our compensation is dependent on the success of your case. If you don’t get paid, we don’t get paid.
In successful claims, we receive a percentage of the compensation, which means you never have to pay us anything out of your own pocket.
The timeline for settling a Lyft or Uber sexual assault case varies greatly due to the details and circumstances surrounding each situation.
Factors affecting this timeline may include the complexity of the case, how long it takes to gather evidence, whether the parties involved are willing to negotiate, the extent to which expert witnesses are needed, and the overall willingness of rideshare companies to cooperate and share important information or records.
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we’re committed to passionately advocating for sexual assault survivors and helping them seek the justice they deserve. We understand that each case is unique and will do everything we can to help you get the justice you deserve.
The prevalence of sexual assaults in rideshare services has become alarmingly apparent, as revealed by data recently disclosed from Uber and Lyft.
- Between 2017 and 2020, Uber received a staggering 9,805 reports of sexual assault occurring during trips within their service.
- The above unsettling figure includes around 852 reported acts of rape.
- Among these victims, the female passenger portion accounted 81%.
- 91% of the victims were riders, and 7% were Uber drivers. [2]
- From 2017 to 2019, Lyft registered an alarming 4,158 reports of sexual assaults, including 360 reports of rape. [3]
These statistics underline the urgency and validity of rideshare sexual assault concerns, making it imperative to prioritize safety measures in this increasingly popular mode of transportation. If you’ve experienced this, remember that you are not alone, and there are legal avenues available to seek justice.
Enduring the aftermath of a rideshare sexual assault can feel immensely overwhelming, but with experienced legal help, you don’t have to face it alone. If the unthinkable has happened and you were taken advantage of on what should’ve been a safe trip, let us help you.
Schedule a free consultation with a Lyft and Uber sexual assault lawyer from our team so we can work together on this path toward justice.
Our downtown office, near the Richard J. Daley Center, Dirkson United States Courthouse, and the Chicago Workers’ Compensation Commission, offers convenient access from Aurora, Joliet, and Waukegan via I-90, I-94, and I-290.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
225 W Wacker Dr #1660
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (847) 835-8895
Toll Free: (888) 424-5757
We also serve clients from Champaign, Evanston, Peoria , Springfield and throughout Illinois.