For sexual assault victims, the path toward justice can be challenging and emotionally exhausting. Survivors of Uber sexual assault deserve to have their voices heard and their experiences treated with compassion and respect. Pursuing legal action may provide a way to hold the responsible parties accountable and begin the process of rebuilding after undergoing a devastating event. With guidance provided by a rideshare sexual assault lawyer, survivors can have a peace of mind knowing their case is being taken care of, their evidence is protected, and efforts are being made to help them seek justice and the compensation they deserve.
At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we are committed to help sexual assault victims navigate through legal difficulties surrounding Uber sexual assault lawsuits. Our team understands the emotional toll these cases can take, and we are committed to provide compassionate and effective representation from start to finish.
We provide FREE confidential consultations to survivors of rideshare sexual assault. During our discussion, we can go over the details surrounding your case, what evidence may be needed, and the potential routes to take that best suit your legal needs and priorities, all while respecting your privacy and emotional well-being.
You do not have to face this on your own. We are here to support you every step of the way. Reach out to us today by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our quick online contact form.
How to Report Sexual Assault in Uber?
If you were sexually assaulted while using Uber, it is important to act quickly to ensure your safety. You should contact 911 if you believe you are in danger or are in need of immediate medical attention. It is also encouraged to seek care after the event, even if you are unsure about pursuing legal action.
A healthcare provider can perform a sexual assault forensic exam (SAFE), which can be important for later. You can also contact Uber directly through the app to report the incident by selecting the trip, choosing “Safety Issue,” and explaining what happened in as much detail as you feel comfortable sharing. Uber will take a look at the report and take appropriate action.
You are entitled to sue, and speaking with a rideshare sexual assault attorney can help you understand the options you have available. Support is also available through RAINN’s 24/7 confidential hotline.
Are Ubers Safe for Females?
Uber is willing to enforce safety measures for females through a number of features and initiatives made to provide control, support, and a peace of mind during trips. These are part of Uber’s determination to maintain a secure environment for all users. Below are some notable functions the company has enforced for women:
- Women rider and driver preferences: In select United States cities, Uber will provide a Women Rider Preference feature, giving females the ability to request trips with women drivers. Similarly, women drivers can also select who they can receive requests from, and make it exclusively from female riders. These preferences are made to provide extra comfort and control with ride experiences.
- Ride Check: This feature uses sensors and GPS data to take note of any irregularities, like unexpected stops or route deviations. If an anomaly is detected, Uber will check in with the rider or driver to make sure everything is fine and offer assistance, if necessary.
- Share My Trip: Rides can share real-time trip information to friends and family, giving them access to monitor trips.
- Emergency assistance button: An in-app emergency button will connect riders and drivers to local emergency services, showing them trip details and location to ensure prompt action.
- 24/7 support: Uber offers round-the-clock access to agents through in-app support, where they provide helpful resources in case of an accident.
Additional efforts have been made to further broaden initiatives and commitments to a safe trip environment for women. In partnership with Alliance for HOPE International, Uber has launched the Hope Rides program, giving free rides to survivors of domestic violence. This will ensure they can safely reach legal assistance and existing support groups, eliminating barriers that could prevent them from acquiring the help they need.
While Uber has implemented several safety measures to protect female passengers, it is important to recognize that no system is totally risk-free. Under Uber’s 2021 to 2022 safety report, cases of sexual violence are noted. For non-consensual sexual penetration, 89% of the survivors were women, with most of them being riders.
What Do Uber’s Reports Reveal About Sexual Assault Incidents?
According to Uber’s most recent safety report, both riders and drivers have tragically been victims of sexual assault. About 31% of cases were reported against riders, while 68% were made against drivers. Only 1% involved third parties. For cases where an Uber driver sexually assaulted a rider, the most commonly noted inappropriate behavior involved non-consensual kissing of a non-sexual body part (51%) and non-consensual touching of a sexual body part (40%). Drivers who were victim to sexual assault experienced the following:
- Non-consensual sexual penetration (90%)
- Attempted non-consensual sexual penetration (87%)
- Non-consensual kissing of a sexual body part (84%)
These statistics emphasize the serious risks presented to both riders and drivers, highlighting the need for effective safety measures and transparent legal avenues for survivors who are seeking accountability.
Can I Sue for Sexual Assault?
Survivors of sexual assault have the right to sue the perpetrator. In some cases, platforms or organizations can also be met with legal consequences if there was negligence in screening, monitoring, or responding to complaints. With that said, a passenger who experienced assault may file a civil lawsuit against the driver for the action itself, and potentially against Uber if they can present strong evidence that the company failed to take reasonable steps to prevent such a situation from occurring. Legal claims may include personal injury, emotional distress, and negligence depending on the factors involved.
What Is the Time Limit to File a Rideshare Sexual Assault Claim?
In California, the time limit to file a rideshare sexual assault claim will depend on the age of the victim, when the situation occurred, and whether any misconduct or cover-up by a company is alleged. For adults, claims will be filed within 10 years of the assault or within three years of discovering any injury or illness that appeared due to the assault (California Code of Civil Procedure § 340.16).
California Assembly Bill 2777 (AB 2777), which is the Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act, also created a three-year “lookback” window from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2026, allowing adult survivors of sexual assault that occurred on or after January 1, 2009 to file civil claims for damages, even if the statute of limitations expired.
For minors, California law will provide extended time to take legal action for sexual assault. Under CCP § 340.1, there is no statute of limitations for assaults involving sexual predators that happened on or after January 1, 2024, meaning survivors are entitled to file a lawsuit at any given time. For assaults that occurred prior to that date, victims will have until their 40th birthday to file a claim, or five years from the time they discover or reasonably should have discovered that a psychological injury suffered as an adult was caused by the assault.
Clams made against entities, like rideshare companies, will also extend the time to file a lawsuit if there is evidence of negligence. California law will allow claims alleging corporate cover-ups of assault to be submitted until December 31, 2026, even if the assault happened years before. With claims involving government entities, shorter deadlines will be presented, which is six months from the date of the assault (California Government Code §§ 905–945.6).
Steps in a Rideshare Sexual Assault Lawsuit
Being sexually assaulted during a trip can be a traumatic experience, leaving those affected feeling vulnerable and unsure of what to do next. California law allows Uber sexual assault survivors to seek justice and hold the responsible individual accountable, and in some cases, the rideshare company, as well. Knowing the steps involved in a rideshare sexual assault lawsuit can help survivors feel supported as they take on this challenging ordeal.
The following highlights important steps to take in a sexual assault case, so you know what to expect and how to protect your rights throughout each stage of the legal process.
- Seek immediate medical care. This should be your first priority. Be sure to document your injuries and address any health concerns you might have. It is important to also speak to a trained counselor or support organization to help you with emotional trauma.
- Report the assault to local law enforcement and to Uber. An investigation will be initiated shortly after they receive information about the incident, which will then activate Uber’s internal safety protocols and insurance coverage.
- Maintain all records pertaining to the incident. This can consist of ride receipts, photos, and medical documentation.
- Speak to an experienced sexual assault attorney for guidance and support. They will assess your case, determine liability, and help you explore your legal options.
- Your attorney will create a complaint on your behalf that highlights the allegations and legal claim. This can include negligence or failure to provide a safe environment. The complaint will then be filed in civil court.
- Both parties will exchange evidence. Discovery will help uncover the full scope of the assault and any possible corporate negligence involved.
- Most cases are resolved before trial through settlement discussions or mediation. Compensation may be awarded without the need to go through a lengthy court process.
- If a settlement has yet to be reached, the case will go to trial. Each party will be required to provide evidence and call witnesses. A judge or jury will identify fault and damages.
- If you win or reach a settlement, compensation will cover any losses incurred, such as medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. In rare cases, you may be granted punitive damages if it can be proven that the company’s negligence or cover-up was egregious.
Is Uber Having Sexual Assault Allegations?
Uber has faced various allegations of sexual abuse and sexual harassment. These cases have resulted in several victims pursuing legal action. From 2017 to 2022, Uber received more than 400,000 reports of sexual misconduct in the U.S., which amounts to roughly one report filed every eight minutes. However, the company publicly disclosed only 12,522 serious cases within that duration of time. This has raised concerns about transparency and the company’s efforts to address such circumstances.
Uber has stated its commitment to safety and transparency, but with the frequent number of cases arising, further improvements may be needed to maintain safe conditions for riders and drivers.
Can You Get Money Out of a Sexual Assault Case?
You can recover money out of a sexual assault case. Victims may seek compensation through Uber lawsuits or claims against the individual responsible for the assault. The amount you recover will differ based on the evidence you acquired and the extent of your losses.
Compensation will include economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, and therapy costs). Survivors may also receive non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life). Ultimately, the amount of compensation for sexual assault cases will vary depending on:
- The severity of the assault
- Evidence available
West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here to Guide You Through This Difficult Time
Uber sexual assault victims have the right to sue the at fault party to seek justice for what they went through. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, We understand the emotional and physical trauma one may endure after being subjected to such treatment and will work diligently to hold responsible parties accountable. We are committed to protect your rights and pursue mental health treatment compensation, medical expenses, and lost wages on your behalf.
Our law firm offers FREE case reviews, where we will explore your options and determine the most ideal path to take moving forward. To get started with the legal process, you can get in touch with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our quick online contact form.
