Uber and Lyft Assaults

Rideshare companies have profited from convenience while failing to protect passengers. We hold Uber, Lyft, and their negligent drivers accountable.

A Systemic Failure to Protect Passengers

Uber and Lyft have transformed how millions of people travel — but their rapid growth has come at a serious cost to passenger safety. Thousands of riders, predominantly women, have been sexually assaulted by rideshare drivers. Internal documents and investigative reporting have revealed that both companies were aware of the scope of the problem and chose to prioritize growth over the safety measures that could have prevented these attacks.

Unlike a taxi company with regulated drivers and direct oversight, rideshare platforms have long argued they are merely technology companies with no responsibility for driver conduct. Courts and legislators have increasingly rejected that position. If you were assaulted by an Uber or Lyft driver, you may have a civil claim not only against the driver but against the company itself.

How Uber and Lyft Failed Their Passengers

Inadequate Background Checks

Both companies rely on third-party background check vendors that miss criminal records, particularly offenses from other states or countries. Drivers with prior assault convictions have been approved and placed on the platform.

No Fingerprint Verification

Unlike taxi and limousine services regulated in most cities, Uber and Lyft have resisted fingerprint-based background checks — a more rigorous standard that would catch offenders whose records are not linked to their name or Social Security number.

Account Sharing & Impersonation

Drivers have shared accounts with unvetted individuals, allowing people who never passed any background check to pick up passengers under a verified driver's profile. Both companies have been slow to implement real-time identity verification.

Suppression of Assault Reports

Investigative reporting and litigation have revealed that both companies received thousands of assault reports and failed to alert law enforcement, remove drivers promptly, or warn other passengers who may have ridden with the same driver.

Inadequate In-App Safety Features

Despite years of advocacy from survivors and safety organizations, basic safety features — such as real-time trip sharing, mandatory check-ins on long rides, and panic buttons with direct law enforcement connection — were delayed or implemented only partially.

Forced Arbitration Clauses

For years, both companies buried mandatory arbitration clauses in their terms of service, preventing assault survivors from pursuing claims in open court. Legal challenges have eroded these clauses in many jurisdictions, and our attorneys can advise you on your options.

If You Were Assaulted by a Rideshare Driver

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Your health and safety come first. If the assault involved any physical contact, go to an emergency room or SART center for an exam. Request toxicology testing if you believe you were drugged.

Do Not Delete the App or Trip Record

Your trip history, driver information, GPS route, and timestamps are critical evidence. Do not delete the app, and take screenshots of the trip details, driver name, photo, and vehicle information immediately.

Report to the Company — But Know Its Limits

File a report through the app's safety feature or support line. Be aware that company representatives are not law enforcement and their primary interest is not your legal case. Keep records of all communications.

File a Police Report

A police report creates an official record and may trigger a criminal investigation. You do not need to decide whether to pursue criminal charges to file a report, and a report strengthens a civil case.

Contact an Attorney Before Speaking Further

Before giving detailed statements to the company's insurance representatives or investigators, speak with an attorney. Statements made early in the process can affect your civil claim.

After completing her ride, the passenger in this "Inside Edition" video is seen with the rideshare driver's hands on her breasts as she attempts to open the front door of her home. A neighbor overheard the noise and is then credited with saving her from potential serious physical harm. Watch her frightening story and hear why our law firm represents this survivor. Cohen Hirsch, LP attorney Brooke Cohen hopes others will also seek legal assistance to achieve justice.

Supporting Survivors of Sexual Assault in Rideshare Services

Prevalence of Assault in Rideshares

Reports of sexual assault in rideshare vehicles have emerged, highlighting a troubling trend. Survivors often face unique challenges when seeking help, including fear of not being believed, stigma, and the complexities of reporting incidents. Understanding the prevalence and nature of these assaults is essential for developing effective support systems.

Rideshare companies who self-report the numbers of incidents are not fully transparent. These companies can create their own definitions of what they consider to be an assault.

Barriers to Reporting

Survivors may encounter several barriers when considering reporting an assault, including:

Fear of Retaliation: Concerns about the perpetrator's response or potential repercussions from the rideshare company.
Stigma: Societal stigma surrounding sexual assault can deter survivors from coming forward.
Lack of Trust: Survivors may feel that law enforcement or rideshare companies will not take their claims seriously.

Advocacy and Awareness

Raising awareness about the issue of sexual assault in rideshare services is essential in the effort to end these crimes. Advocacy campaigns can help:

Educate the Public: Informing passengers about their rights and the resources available to them can foster a culture of support.
Encourage Reporting: Highlighting the importance of reporting incidents can help survivors feel less isolated and more empowered to seek justice.

Supporting Survivors

Supporting survivors of sexual assault in rideshare services requires a multifaceted approach that involves rideshare companies, community organizations, the public, and law firms like Cohen Hirsch. By implementing safety measures, fostering a supportive environment, and advocating for survivors, we can work towards a future where all passengers feel safe and respected during their rides. It is essential to continue the conversation, raise awareness, and take actionable steps to protect and empower survivors.

Free, Confidential Consultation

If you were assaulted by an Uber or Lyft driver, you may have a claim against both the driver and the company. Our attorneys handle these cases on a contingency basis — no fee unless we recover for you. Contact us today for a completely confidential consultation.