Lawsuits for Survivors of Uber/Lyft Sexual Assault Explained

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Filing a Lawsuit After Uber/Lyft Rideshare Sexual Abuse

Dec 1, 2023

Taking an Uber or Lyft rideshare can be convenient and cost effective. While the vast majority of rideshares are safe, the number of sexual assaults have steadily increased in recent years. In fact, many people do not realize the potential dangers that exist – whether due to improper Uber/Lyft driver background checks, predators impersonating drivers, or various other factors.

Recent data indicates that the rate of rideshare sexual assaults has been alarmingly high. Uber’s latest safety report confirmed that the company has received over 6,000 claims of sexual assault in the last few years. In major U.S. cities, police and court records show that approximately 100 Uber drivers were arrested, wanted for criminal charges, or had been sued for sexually abusing riders. 31 of the 103 Uber drivers have been convicted so far of various sex crimes (including rape).

Rideshare sexual assault survivors may choose to bring civil lawsuits against companies like Uber and Lyft. Such civil claims can be in addition to any criminal charges which may be brought against predator drivers.

In 2019, for example, dozens of women sued Lyft over its failure to prevent sexual assault claims. Last year, 17 additional lawsuits were filed against Lyft for failure to prevent riders from both sexual and physical assaults.

Filing a Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Uber/Lyft

The above mentioned lawsuits filed against rideshare corporation Lyft included:

  • 14 by individuals alleging they were sexually assaulted.
  • Three by individuals alleging they were physically assaulted.

Following media reports, Lyft issued a statement noting the rideshare company was “committed to helping keep drivers and riders safe.

While safety incidents on our platform are incredibly rare, we realize that even one is too many. Our goal is to make every Lyft ride as safe as possible, and we will continue to take action and invest in technology, policies and partnerships to do so,” a Lyft spokesperson said.

Additionally, a 2022 New York Times report confirmed that Since September 2021, at least 40 women have filed sexual assault lawsuits against Uber. Furthermore, in August, 13 survivors of sexual assault filed civil lawsuits against Lyft.

To read the Uber Safety Report detailing instances of sexual and physical assault against riders as well as drivers, click here.

To read the Lyft Community Safety Report detailing instances of physical and sexual assault against riders as well as drivers, click here.

Latest Uber/Lyft Rideshare Sexual Assault Statistics

It’s important to note that while the Uber and Lyft safety reports document what are alarmingly high numbers of sexual and physical assaults, those figures may actually be an overall undercount due to victims who do not come forward and report crimes.

After Uber’s safety report was released, California’s Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) fined the rideshare company $59 million for failing to answer the regulator’s questions. The safety report ultimately uncovered nearly 6,000 rideshare sexual assault claims and 19 rideshare murders that occurred in the U.S. from 2017 to 2018.

When Should You Contact a Los Angeles, California, Uber/Lyft Sexual Assault Lawyer?

Dordulian Law Group’s (DLG) Glendale rideshare sexual assault lawyers are standing by 24/7 to answer any questions you may have about bringing a civil claim for damages after being victimized by an Uber or Lyft driver.

After a rideshare sexual, you may have suffered any number of injuries:

  • Bruises
  • Broken/fractured bones
  • Welts
  • Vaginal tearing/injury
  • Unwanted pregnancy
  • Sexually transmitted infection (STI)
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Concussion/head trauma
  • Emotional trauma

Suffering a sexual assault-related injury after an Uber or Lyft rideshare may entitle you to financial compensation through a civil lawsuit with DLG’s experienced attorneys. To speak with an Uber/Lyft sexual assault lawyer about your case, contact DLG today at 866-SO-SEE-SAM for a free and confidential consultation.

What is Rideshare Sexual Assault Under California Law?

Under California Civil Code 1708.5, sexual battery (a subset of sexual assault that requires physical contact with the victim rather than just an imminent threat of contact) is grounds for legal action if the perpetrator:

  1. Act[ed] with the intent to cause a harmful or offensive contact with an intimate part of another, and a sexually offensive contact with that person directly or indirectly results; OR
  2. Act[ed] with the intent to cause a harmful or offensive contact with an intimate part of another by use of his or her intimate part, and a sexually offensive contact with that person directly or indirectly results; OR
  3. Act[ed] to cause an imminent apprehension of the conduct described in paragraph (1) or (2), and a sexually offensive contact with that person directly or indirectly results.

Laws are in place to allow survivors of Uber/Lyft sexual assault the right to file claims for financial compensation against perpetrators.

Uber/Lyft Rideshare Sexual Assault Lawsuit Damages Explained

If you’ve been sexually assaulted during an Uber/Lyft rideshare, the attorneys at Dordulian Law Group will work aggressively to recover all applicable damages. Examples of the damages that may be secured in a rideshare sexual assault civil claim include:

  • General damages:

Non-monetary losses suffered by the plaintiff which may not be directly “quantifiable.” General damages are those that arose (or are likely to arise in the future) from harm suffered by the plaintiff. In Uber/ Lyft sexual assault suits, these damages can include mental/emotional suffering and anguish, loss of companionship, physical pain and suffering, reduced capacity to earn a living due to lasting injuries, etc.

  • Special damages:

Damages for quantifiable monetary losses such as past and future medical bills, lost wages, counseling/therapy expenses, etc.

  • Punitive damages:

Damages on top of the general and special compensatory damages which serve the purpose of punishing the defendant for their actions and for causing unnecessary harm to the plaintiff.

DLG’s rideshare sexual assault lawyers will explain which damages may be applicable to your case during the free consultation phase of the legal process.

Why Choose DLG for Your Uber/Lyft Rideshare Sexual Assault Case?

Dordulian Law Group’s Los Angeles Uber and Lyft sexual assault lawyers have helped victims secure multimillion dollar settlements. Following a recent undisclosed multimillion dollar damages award obtained for one of our rideshare sexual assault clients, Sam Dordulian, DLG’s founder and a former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County, stated that Uber and Lyft perpetrators:

“… may now be more prone to think about the ramifications of such an abhorrent act… Being aware that we will aggressively pursue justice for all victims of rideshare assaults will hopefully act as a deterrent to predators. Our pursuit of justice will also bring a sense of control back to the survivor and aid in their journey of recovery.”

Victims of sexual assaults committed by drivers or passengers of rideshare vehicles need to be aware of the legal options available to them (including civil lawsuits for damages).

Rideshare rape and sexual assault survivors are strongly encouraged to seek out an experienced attorney who has several years of experience with these types of cases – specifically those involving Uber and Lyft incidents. Many area attorneys in Los Angeles may advertise that they specialize in Uber and Lyft rape cases while actually having little experience handling these nuanced and difficult cases. It’s important to hire a rideshare sexual assault attorney who has successfully navigated cases on behalf of survivors like you.

DLG’s Glendale, California, Uber and Lyft rideshare sexual assault lawyers are committed to doing everything possible to ensure that you secure the highest settlement for your case. Additionally, we are experienced in recovering maximized damages which include what are typically difficult to recover items such as pain and suffering.

Our Sexual Assault Justice Experts are here to help survivors secure justice. Contact our top-rated attorneys online or by phone for a free consultation today.

Choosing a skilled, experienced, and compassionate attorney from DLG who has won Uber/Lyft sexual assault cases similar to yours in the past can be the best decision you make. We are dedicated to pursuing justice and maximum financial compensation for your Uber or Lyft rideshare sexual assault case.

Contact us today at 866-GO-SEE-SAM to begin the process of getting the justice you deserve.

Author

Samuel Dordulian

Samuel Dordulian, founder

Sam Dordulian is an award-winning sexual abuse lawyer with over 25 years' experience helping survivors secure justice. As a former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for L.A. County, he secured life sentences against countless sexual predators. Mr. Dordulian currently serves on the National Leadership Council for RAINN.




Go See Sam