Uber/Lyft Sexual Assault

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized the way the world travels, providing convenient transportation options at the touch of a button. However, behind the convenience of rideshare services lies a darker reality – a growing number of rideshare passengers have come forward with allegations of sexual assault by drivers.

These shocking incidents have sparked civil lawsuits against Uber and Lyft, with victims seeking to hold the companies accountable for their negligence in driver screening. If you or someone you love has been the victim of an alleged assault by an Uber or Lyft driver, contact us now to learn about your legal options.

Sexual Assault Allegations Against Rideshare Companies

Over the past few years, Uber and Lyft have faced an alarming surge in sexual assault allegations. Rideshare passengers have reported incidents of unwanted sexual advances, groping, and even rape by drivers. Lawsuits against Uber and Lyft argue that the companies should be held liable for these sexual assaults due to their failure to properly screen their drivers. According to allegations, negligent driver screening processes have allowed individuals with a history of sexual misconduct to become rideshare drivers, putting passengers at risk.

Who Qualifies

 Women who were sexually assaulted while in an Uber or Lyft Rideshare where one of the following occurred:

  • Penetration
  • Exposure of genitals
  • Kissing
  • Fondling (vagina, anus, buttocks, breast, groin/inner thigh)Masturbation
  • Oral Sex
  • Sexual Intercourse

Where are claims being filed and what is the statute of limitations in each of these states?

If driver touched PNC’s vagina, anus, groin/inner thigh, buttocks or breast, then

  1.  California = 10yrs
  2.  D.C. = 5 years
  3. Kentucky = 5 years
  4. Michigan = 10 years
  5. Minnesota = 6 years
  6. New Hampshire = anytime
  7. New Jersey = 7 years
  8. North Dakota = 9 years
  9.  Oregon = 5 years
  10. South Carolina = 3 years
  11. Virginia = 10 years

If driver penetrated PNC’s vagina or anus or mouth, then

  1.  Nevada = anytime
  2.  New York = 20 years
  3. Texas = 5 years

Uber and Lyft’s Troubling Safety Reports

In 2022, Uber released a safety report that shed light on the extent of the problem with its drivers. The report revealed that between 2019 and 2020, there were a staggering 3,824 sexual assaults reported during Uber trips.

In 2022, Uber released a safety report that shed light on the extent of the problem with its drivers. The report revealed that between 2019 and 2020, there were a staggering 3,824 sexual assaults reported during Uber trips. These incidents ranged from non-consensual touching to forcible rape. Lyft, too, faced similar issues, with its own safety report showing over 4,000 sexual assaults reported between 2017 and 2019.

These alarming numbers highlight the urgent need for action to address the safety concerns surrounding rideshare services. Victims of rideshare assault deserve justice, and it is essential to understand the legal options available to them.

Pursuing Sexual Assault Claims Against Uber and Lyft

If you have experienced sexual assault or any form of rideshare assault while using Uber or Lyft, you have the right to pursue legal action against the company. Holding Uber and Lyft accountable for their negligence can not only help you seek compensation for your physical, emotional, and psychological damages but also contribute to ensuring the safety of future rideshare passengers.

Grounds for Lawsuits Against Uber and Lyft

"The rideshare platforms like Lyft and Uber have created a platform for sexual predators"

Lawsuits against Uber and Lyft allege that the companies were negligent in their duty to protect passengers from harm. The key grounds for these lawsuits include:

  • Failure to Properly Screen Drivers: Uber and Lyft are accused of negligently approving drivers without conducting thorough background checks or implementing adequate screening processes. 
  • Lack of Training and Policies: The lawsuits argue that Uber and Lyft failed to adequately train drivers on appropriate behavior and failed to implement policies to protect passengers from sexual assault. 
  • Negligent Retention of Drivers: Uber and Lyft are accused of allowing drivers with known histories of sexual misconduct to continue operating on their platforms. 

Seeking Compensation for Damages

Victims of rideshare assault may be eligible to seek compensation for various damages, including:

  • Physical Injuries: If you suffered physical harm as a result of the assault, such as bruises, cuts, or broken bones, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering.
  • Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Sexual assault can have long-lasting emotional and psychological effects. Compensation can be sought for therapy, counseling, and other treatments to help victims recover from the trauma they have endured.
  • Lost Wages and Future Earnings: If the assault caused you to miss work or impacted your ability to earn a living, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and potential future earnings.
  • Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct by Uber or Lyft, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are meant to punish the companies and deter similar behavior in the future.

Rideshare Assault Multidistrict Litigation

Given the widespread nature of rideshare assault cases, many lawsuits have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL). In the context of rideshare assault, MDLs bring together individual lawsuits filed against Uber or Lyft in different federal courts. The cases are then transferred to a single district court, where pretrial proceedings are streamlined to increase efficiency and ensure consistent rulings.

Contact an Experienced Attorney for Legal Help

If you have been a victim of rideshare assault, it is crucial to seek legal representation from an experienced personal injury lawyer. A skilled attorney can guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights, and advocate for your best interests. They will gather evidence, build a strong case on your behalf, and fight for the compensation you deserve. If you have experienced sexual assault or any form of rideshare assault while using Uber or Lyft, don’t hesitate to seek legal help. Contact us today to discuss your situation and explore your legal options.

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