Rideshare Sexual Assault Lawyer

Uber and Lyft rideshare companies do not use the same stringent hiring or training guidelines as traditional transportation services. Lack of safety protocols could increase riders' risk of sexual assault.

An Uber Sexual Assault Attorney Can Help

Are you a victim of sexual assault as a passenger of a rideshare vehicle? You have legal rights to ensure the abuser is held responsible for your damages, including medical bills and legal fees. The personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC can be your guide through the claims process.

Contact our Chicago sexual abuse lawyers at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) to start your case with a free case evaluation. Let us listen to your story and answer your legal questions. Ultimately, we can hold responsible parties and companies accountable for their negligent or intentional actions.

Uber and Lyft Sexual Assault Statistics

Due to the relatively new nature of rideshare apps, researchers are short on information about the safety of getting into rideshare cars. However, one website has kept track of all criminal incidents involving Uber and Lyft since their debuts, revealing that ridesharing is not always a safe alternative to taxi cabs and public transportation.

The public awareness campaign reveals shocking ridesharing sexual assault statistics (as of 2019):

• Over 370 passengers have reported being sexually assaulted or harassed by rideshare drivers.
• Ninety-five passengers have filed complaints due to sexual assault committed by Lyft and Uber drivers.
• There have been sixteen alleged passenger kidnappings by Lyft and Uber drivers.
• Fifty people have died in connection with rideshare criminal conduct and traffic accidents.

These are just the incidents that passengers have reported. The actual number of assault survivors is likely much higher. Hundreds of ridesharing service passengers have told stories about unwanted sexual contact involving Uber and Lyft drivers and fellow passengers.

Unfortunately, the rideshare service companies have not taken these reports seriously enough to make any operational changes. These companies have failed to accept their legal duty to keep their customers safe.

Why Does Uber and Lyft Rideshare Sexual Assault Happen?

In most sexual assault cases, the motivation for sexual violence is a desire for dominance or control. The perpetrator does not only want sexual arousal or relief – they want to exert power over the victim.

Assaults occur when a perpetrator could take advantage of someone else. Ridesharing companies have helped provide an environment where assault involving rideshare passengers can occur through the following acts of negligence:

• Lax hiring procedures. Unlike traditional taxi companies, neither rideshare service corporations check a driver's background beyond the past seven years. They also do not meet with drivers in person or interview them.

The company's negligent hiring practices fail necessary safety measures to capture potential rideshare drivers with criminal histories, sexual harassment charges, or registered sexual predators.

• Lack of Uber or Lyft driver training. Rideshare companies do not train their Uber and Lyft drivers nor provide ethics training in sexual misconduct behavior. They require drivers to use their smartphones while driving but do not provide any training on how to do so without driving distracted, leading to car accidents.

According to their seven-year background checks, these companies trust that people who apply are good, safe drivers.

• Lack of driver and rider transparency. Many assault cases have involved people who were not independent contractors licensed as Uber/Lyft drivers or minor passengers unlawfully using rideshare apps.

Yet Uber or Lyft rideshare companies do nothing to validate the drivers' or passengers' identities, despite complaints that sexual assault always occurs.

Both companies claim to care about Uber passenger safety. Uber is launching new safety features, including an in-app emergency button to notify the rideshare company and local law enforcement, while Lyft has real-time ride tracking.

However, sexual assaults by rideshare drivers still occur. You have rights if you or someone you know has been the victim.

Criminal vs. Civil Uber and Lyft Sexual Assault Cases

As the victim of sexual assault, you or a loved one might think a criminal case is the only legal option against the perpetrator. But it is not.

As a Uber or Lyft sexual assault survivor, you likely suffered physical injuries, emotional distress, mental anguish, or other damages that could qualify you to seek compensation through the civil justice system. You could pursue legal action and sue Uber through a civil claim that could give you the financial compensation you need to move forward.

While a criminal case can sentence the ridesharing driver to jail or probation for sexually assaulting you, a civil claim can lead to thousands of dollars in compensation for your losses. You might have grounds to file a claim not only against the assailant but also against the rideshare company.

If the San Francisco-based company negligently failed to take steps to prevent the assault, it could be liable for your damages. Talk to our Uber/Lyft sexual assault lawyers about your sexual assault claim. Courts around the United States have convicted dozens of drivers for assault in the past.

Uber has settled two class-action sexual assault lawsuits, and others are pending. You do not have to go through this alone. Partner with a sexual assault lawyer in Chicago to improve your chances of claim success.

Rideshare Sexual Assault Injuries FAQs

Below are some frequently asked questions raised by people who have been sexually assaulted by rideshare drivers, such as Uber or Lyft. Our personal injury law firm appreciates that these questions may give rise to other questions, so we welcome you to contact our law firm for a free consultation with an experienced rideshare sexual abuse attorney.

Call us at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone call) or use the contact form to seek justice or for additional information on Uber or Lyft drivers and sexual misconduct.

Ensure that the driver who picked you up is dropping you off in safe locations. Never be afraid to stop the vehicle and get out when you feel uncomfortable or recognize a red flag like an intoxicated driver, an unexpected additional rider, or a sense of feeling unsafe or uncomfortable.

Hire Uber/Lyft Sexual Assault Attorneys to Resolve Your Rideshare Compensation Case

The sexual assault attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC have experience handling all types of personal injury and assault lawsuits – including years representing victims of rideshare assault.

Our firm can help you go up against Uber or Lyft to pursue justice and fair financial recovery. We will start legal action with a free, confidential case evaluation at our law office.

Contact our law firm today at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone call) or through the contact form to schedule a free, confidential consultation. All discussions and legal advice involving our law firm remain confidential through an attorney-client relationship.

We accept every Lyft/Uber sexual assault case on a contingency fee basis. This agreement provides immediate legal representation with a fee promise that postpones payments until we obtain maximum compensation on your behalf through a negotiated settlement or jury award.

If you were in an auto accident involving an Uber vehicle, look at our Uber accident page.

If you were injured in a collision with a Lyft vehicle, visit our Lyft accident page here.

Resources:

• Sensitization to Prevent Rideshare Sexual Abuse
• CNN investigation: About 103 Uber drivers Facing Violence Allegations