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Rideshare Lawsuit

What is Rideshare Lawsuit?

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are meant to provide passengers with safe transportation. However, thousands of victims have been assaulted by their drivers — and rideshare companies may be partially to blame.

THIS LAWSUIT WILL NOT AFFECT YOUR ELIGIBILITY TO COLLECT VA DISABILITY BENEFITS.

Havealawyer is committed to pursuing justice on behalf of rideshare assault victims. Call 888-811-3090 now to learn if you may be eligible for compensation from a rideshare lawsuit.

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    Is this for you or someone else?

    Did you or a loved one experience assault while in a rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc)?


    The hidden risks of ridesharing: When convenience meets vulnerability

    It’s as easy as a few taps on your smartphone to get a ride home, to work, or to the other side of town. Uber and Lyft have changed how we get around, but not all these changes are for the better. Reports have come in with some serious concerns—thousands of Uber and Lyft drivers have been accused of sexual assault. It’s a hard truth that might make us think twice before we hop into the backseat.

    The dark side of ridesharing

    Unfortunately, alongside the stories of convenience and service are troubling accounts of rideshare abuse. Some passengers have faced grave situations ranging from uncomfortable encounters to outright assaults. These are not just statistics; they represent real people who have had to endure traumatic experiences that can leave lasting emotional scars.

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    How safe are Uber and Lyft?

    A spotlight has been cast on the safety of rideshare services after a CNN report revealed alarming stories of passengers being harmed by their drivers. While Uber and Lyft assure us that they conduct thorough background checks, many are left wondering: Are we truly safe when we tap our phone screens to hail a ride?

    The startling numbers in safety reports

    An eye-opening Uber safety report unveiled nearly 6,000 serious sexual assault incidents over a span of two years (2017 and 2018). These weren't minor infractions; they ranged from unwelcome touching to attempts and instances of sexual assault.

    The unveiling of this report wasn't spontaneous—it was a direct answer to a surge in legal actions and a public outcry for transparency and better accountability. Yet, experts suggest that these figures may just scratch the surface, considering sexual assault is frequently unreported.

    Lyft's report brings more concerns

    Not to be overshadowed, Lyft's own safety report emerged in October 2021, offering a broader picture by including data from 2017 through 2019. Over these three years, more than 4,000 sexual assaults were reported, including 360 instances labeled as rape, and over 2,000 cases involving inappropriate touching.

    Understanding the categories of reported assaults

    The reported sexual assault allegations spanned five disturbing categories:

    • Non-consensual kissing of a non-sexual body part
    • Attempted non-consensual sexual penetration
    • Non-consensual touching of a sexual body part
    • Non-consensual kissing of a sexual body part
    • Non-consensual sexual penetration

    Given that sexual assault is one of the most underreported offenses, with more than two-thirds going unreported according to RAINN, the true scope of the problem could be even greater.

    Do background checks make a difference?

    Even with background checks, the potential for drivers with criminal intent slipping through the cracks remains. CNN's investigation in 2018 highlighted several such cases, leading to increased scrutiny of Uber's practices. This has triggered several lawsuits against the rideshare companies, accusing them of not doing enough to protect their users.

    Rideshare safety scrutinized in court

    Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are increasingly being challenged in court over their commitment to passenger safety. Numerous lawsuits allege that these companies fail to adequately safeguard passengers, spotlighting the need for more than just background checks.

    Allegations point to a pattern of inadequate responses to reported sexual assaults. Victims argue that Lyft, for example, has not only conducted insufficient background checks but has also failed to take appropriate action when assaults are reported. The concern is not just the initial safety protocols but also the follow-up actions when incidents occur.

    The surge of litigation includes a consolidated case in the Northern District of California, where as of January 2024, 187 pending lawsuits are part of a multidistrict litigation (MDL). These cases argue that Uber and Lyft have not taken the necessary steps to protect passengers and drivers, leading to numerous reports of sexual assault and harassment.

    The legal pressure on rideshare companies has been building over the years, with settlements reached and ongoing claims pushing the companies to reevaluate their safety measures. The courts are now a battleground for these critical issues, with past and present cases highlighting the urgency for rideshare companies to ensure a safer experience for all users.

    Safe Rideshare 101: Tips to protect yourself

    We all love the convenience of catching a ride with just a few taps on our phones. But let’s be real—staying safe is the most important thing. Here are smart moves you can make for your own protection:

    • Match the Details: Before you hop in, take a moment to ensure the driver's photo and the vehicle details line up with what's in the app.
    • Your Name, Please: It's a good practice to have the driver confirm your name before you get in. It's a quick way to ensure you're getting into the right car.
    • Share Your Journey: Use your app to let a friend know where you are and where you're headed. It's an easy step for peace of mind.
    • Route Checks: If the chosen route looks off, don't hesitate to speak up. And if you're not feeling comfortable, request a stop in a populated area.
    • Opt for the Backseat: Sitting in the back gives you a little extra space and more options to exit the vehicle if needed.
    • Keep It Professional: Friendly conversation is fine, but your personal information should stay private. Your driver doesn't need to know it.
    • Safety First: Always wear your seatbelt. It's a simple but crucial safety measure.
    • Additional Safety Apps: Consider using other safety apps with features like video recording or emergency alerts for added security.
    • Ride Together: If possible, share your ride with someone you know. It's safer and can be more enjoyable.
    • Safe Waiting Spot: While waiting for your ride, stay in a well-lit and safe area, ideally indoors until your ride arrives.
    • Driver Awareness: Pay attention to the driver's behaviour and the safety of their driving. Report any concerns to the service provider.
    • Discreet Drop-off: Have the driver drop you off close to, but not exactly at, your destination to protect your home address.
    • Listen to Your Instincts: If something doesn't feel right at any point, trust your gut and choose not to take the ride.

    The lasting impact of rideshare-related assaults

    It’s a hard truth that the journey to recovery after a rideshare assault can be as tough as the incident itself. Survivors grapple with emotional scars that can overshadow any physical injuries, shaking their sense of safety to the core.

    Defining sexual assault in rideshare situations

    Sexual assault is about unwanted contact, and it doesn't discriminate – anyone can be a target. In the rideshare world, it’s often a case of a driver crossing lines they shouldn't. It boils down to consent, or rather, the absence of it, which is what tips the scale from a bad experience to a criminal act.

    Sexual harassment, although sometimes less severe in the eyes of the law, shouldn't be taken lightly. It's a slippery slope from an inappropriate comment to something that can end in an assault.

    Beyond the background check: The call for tighter security

    The reliance of rideshare companies on background checks is being called into question. Is this process thorough enough? The call for tighter security comes from a place of concern. Advocates are pushing for continuous monitoring of drivers and the implementation of in-car cameras to deter misconduct and provide evidence if an incident occurs.

    Some suggest that rideshare apps should have real-time safety features that allow riders to quickly contact emergency services. Another proposal is for a more transparent reporting process for incidents, which would include regular publication of safety audits and data.


    The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is already taking steps to address these concerns. Their regulations demand that rideshares companies don't just stop at background checks; they must also provide drivers with ongoing training to prevent sexual assault and harassment. Uber and Lyft are responding by collaborating with RAINN to create comprehensive training aimed at increasing awareness and preventing misconduct.

    The risks for rideshare users

    When you step into a rideshare car, you're in a unique spot – alone with a stranger at the wheel. It can feel extra risky when you're out late, a bit tipsy, or in an unfamiliar place. Some drivers might see this as an opportunity, using force or intimidation to commit assault.

    Tackling the legal side

    If you’re looking to take legal action after such an ordeal, connecting the dots between the assault and the rideshare service’s responsibility is crucial. Physical injuries might be clear-cut or not, but often, the wounds you can't see carry the heaviest weight. Survivors might battle with nightmares, anxiety, or a whole host of stresses that turn life upside down.

    For those seeking justice, medical documentation can prove crucial, even without a rape kit. It's vital for survivors to know that their experiences are acknowledged and that support and legal options are available.

    The risks for rideshare users

    When you step into a rideshare car, you're in a unique spot – alone with a stranger at the wheel. It can feel extra risky when you're out late, a bit tipsy, or in an unfamiliar place. Some drivers might see this as an opportunity, using force or intimidation to commit assault.

    If you are a victim

    Every rideshare assault case is unique, yet there's a common thread: the allegation that rideshare companies didn't do enough to keep passengers and drivers safe.

    As the number of lawsuits alleging sexual assault against rideshare providers like Uber and Lyft climbs, it's clear there's a pressing need for systemic reform. We're talking tighter driver screenings, better victim support, and stronger safety measures inside the cars. And those who've endured such assaults at the hands of rideshare drivers are now stepping up, seeking justice for the harm they've suffered.

    For anyone who's survived sexual assault related to an Uber ride since 2009 or a Lyft ride since 2012, it’s important to know there are actions to help navigate the aftermath. Getting medical care right away, recording every detail you can remember, and talking to a lawyer who knows the ropes can be powerful steps toward healing and holding the responsible parties accountable.

    Who Can File a Rideshare Assault Lawsuit?

    You may qualify for a rideshare lawsuit if you:

    • Used a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft
    • Were assaulted or injured by the rideshare driver during or after your ride

    It's important to note that assault can include physical injuries and sexual abuse as well as indecent exposure and kidnapping.

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