Rideshare Sexual Assault Lawyers
Have you or a loved one been assaulted during a trip with Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare company?
We Advocate for Uber and Lyft Sexual Assault Survivors
Have you or a loved one been assaulted during a trip with Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare company? If so, you are not alone, and you have legal rights. Our experienced rideshare sexual assault lawyer helps survivors pursue justice and compensation, while prioritizing safety and privacy.
Survivors can bring a civil claim against the person who caused them harm and, in some cases, against the rideshare company. At Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys, we advocate for sexual assault survivors and work to hold perpetrators and negligent companies accountable.
When you are ready, schedule a free, confidential consultation with us to discuss your case. We are here to listen to your story, answer your legal questions, and discuss your legal options for moving forward.
What Constitutes Rideshare Sexual Assault?
Sexual assaults linked to rideshare trips are a documented problem that Uber and Lyft acknowledge in their published safety reports. For example, Uber’s most recent U.S. Safety Report breaks down 2,717 reported incidents in the five most serious categories of sexual assault between 2021 and 2022. In this report, 68 percent of incidents were reported against drivers, 31 percent against riders, and one percent against a third party. Likewise, Lyft’s most recent Safety Transparency Report disclosed 2,651 incidents in the five most serious categories of sexual assault from 2020 to 2022.
According to RAINN, sexual assault includes any sexual contact or behavior that happens without consent. For example, sexual assault includes, but is not limited to:
- Unwanted touching or fondling
- Groping
- Forced kissing
- Molestation
- Indecent exposure
- Coerced sexual acts
- Sexual contact when a person cannot give consent
- Attempted rape
- Rape
If you were assaulted during a ride, immediately before pickup, or after drop-off, you may have a civil claim. Do not hesitate to speak to a rideshare sexual assault lawyer from our firm about your case. Our team provides a free, confidential consultation. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, and discuss your legal options.
What Should I Do If Assaulted in an Uber, Lyft, or Another Rideshare?
Have you suffered sexual assault during an Uber or Lyft trip or immediately before pickup or after drop-off? If so, you have the legal right to pursue accountability and compensation from the person who harmed you. You may have a claim against the rideshare company as well.
Right now, the priority is your safety and well-being. The steps below are intended to protect you and any future legal claim you may want to make.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention as soon as possible. In addition to getting any immediate treatment you need, your medical records can be critical evidence for a civil claim. They help substantiate what happened and document the impact on your physical and mental health.
If appropriate for your situation, request a sexual assault forensic exam, also known as a SANE exam or rape kit. This exam can identify medical needs and collect time-sensitive evidence.
Step 2: Report the Assault to Uber or Lyft
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have policies that prohibit any form of sexual misconduct or assault, and processes for reporting it. Follow the platform’s instructions to report the assault.
You should ask the rideshare company to preserve all records related to the trip, including driver or rider identity, GPS data, in-app messages, and any prior complaints. You should also keep all documentation you can, including:
- Driver or rider profile
- Vehicle details, if appropriate
- In-app messages
- Route map
- Timestamps
- Trip receipt
- Support ticket or case numbers
- Any communications with the company
- Names of company representatives at Uber or Lyft
Step 3: Report the Assault to Law Enforcement
If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, call the non-emergency number or visit the police station to file a report.
Reporting your assault to the police is a personal decision. A criminal case or conviction is not required to bring a civil claim. However, reporting may be critical to protecting your legal claim, if you decide to pursue one, because it creates an official record with a neutral third party.
If you are unsure whether to file a police report, consider speaking with our firm during a free, confidential consultation. We can help you understand your legal rights and evaluate your options for moving forward.
Step 4: Contact our Experienced Rideshare Sexual Assault Lawyer
We recommend reaching out to an experienced rideshare sexual assault attorney to learn about your legal rights and options. Early involvement helps us protect your rights from the start. We offer a free, confidential, and no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation. We are here to listen to your story, answer your legal questions, and help you understand your options for moving forward.
Whether you contact us soon after the assault or you have already begun seeking accountability, we may be able to help you at any point in your journey. For example, a few ways we may be able to help include:
- Helping you document your experience
- Assisting you in filing a report with Uber or Lyft
- Moving to preserve critical evidence
- Helping you file a police report
- Investigating the assault and determining liability
- Handling all communications on your behalf
- Pursuing justice and compensation on your behalf
If you choose, your case can be confidential, so you can retain your privacy and feel safe.
Do I Have a Viable Rideshare Sexual Assault Case?
You may have a viable civil claim if you experienced any nonconsensual, sexual contact or behavior during an Uber or Lyft ride. This can include conduct that occurred during the ride or immediately before pickup or after drop-off.
At Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys, we pursue civil claims against sexual predators and negligent companies. Do not hesitate to schedule a free, confidential consultation with us about your situation. We are here to listen to your story, answer your legal questions, and help you understand your options for seeking accountability and compensation.
If we can help you with your case, then we will advance all costs. You do not have to worry about upfront fees or out-of-pocket expenses. We only get paid if we recover fair compensation on your behalf.
Who Is Responsible for Uber or Lyft Sexual Assault?
Accountability can extend beyond the individual who harmed you. Depending on the facts, you may have a civil claim against the rideshare company.
Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies classify their drivers as independent contractors. They use this classification to try to shield themselves from liability in the event of rideshare accidents and assaults. However, the company may be responsible if:
- It knew or reasonably should have known about the potential harm
- Its safety policies and practices were inadequate
- Its inactions or actions contributed to or failed to prevent the harm
Examples of circumstances that may implicate Uber or Lyft include:
- Inadequate screening or approval of drivers, including approving drivers who should have been disqualified
- Negligent retention, such as failing to suspend or remove a driver or rider after credible complaints, safety incidents, or policy violations
- Poor response, including weak escalation procedures, or failure to conduct thorough investigations and address them
- Allowing drivers or riders with a history of sexual misconduct or assault complaints to remain on the platform
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Rideshare Sexual Assault Attorneys
Our rideshare sexual assault lawyers provide a free, confidential consultation at no obligation. We will listen to your story, answer your legal questions, and discuss your options for pursuing justice and compensation for the harm you endured. If you would like compassionate legal guidance, call us at 1-888-779-1180 or submit our online contact form, and we will contact you soon.
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