FREE CONSULTATION
213-927-3700
NO FEES UNTIL WE WIN

- MENU
Free Case Evaluation
FREE CONSULTATION
213-927-3700
Home / California Uber and Attorney / Rideshare Sexual Assault Cases
Rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, have established guidelines to keep rideshare drivers and riders safe during trips. Certain requirements must be met in order for a driver to be given the green light to work under Uber or Lyft. A driver must have a clean background of no criminal activity and no points added to their driving record.
Although Uber and Lyft conduct annual background checks and vehicle inspections to ensure that each rideshare driver continues to meet their requirements, it is still not enough to prevent unfortunate incidents from occurring, such as sexual assault.
Uber released a safety report in 2019, which had mentioned that there were roughly 6,000 sexual assaults and 464 reports of rape submitted by drivers and riders. 89 percent of these victims were women, while 8 percent were men. About 92 percent of rape victims were riders and 7 percent were drivers.
Lyft released their safety report in 2021, which included data from 2017 to 2019. Based on what was presented, sexual assault cases progressively increased as the rideshare company was expanding. Within 2 years, there was a total of 4,158 sexual assault cases that occurred during trips.
It is predicted that sexual assault cases for both rideshare companies may be even higher than what is being released since these types of cases are often not reported by the victim.
If you were a victim of sexual assault while using Uber or Lyft services, you are entitled to file a personal injury claim against the party at-fault for damages. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our experienced rideshare attorneys have over 60 years of legal experience in handling personal injury cases. With our track record of acquiring more than $1 billion in settlements for our clients, we are confident that we will get you the compensation and justice you deserve.
We offer free, no-obligation consultations. To get started on the process of filing a claim, you may contact our 24/7 legal team by calling (213) 652-5649 or filling out our quick contact form.
Rideshare Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Assault
Uber and Lyft are popular rideshare services that are used in many cities across California. When people are in need of transportation, they will usually request a ride through the Uber or Lyft app. However, there are those who fear the idea of entrusting a stranger to take them to their selected destination.
As reports of sexual assault cases continue to emerge, people, especially women, are starting to develop more fear and/or anxiety from the thought of entering a stranger’s vehicle alone. These feelings are justifiable as there is evidence to prove that sexual assault does happen during trips. Even though Uber and Lyft’s safety reports have mentioned that sexual assault cases are rare, people may still feel hesitant to request a ride as they believe they could be the next victim.
For those who are going through these emotions, our knowledgeable rideshare attorneys have provided helpful resources and tips in the sections below to help you detect sexual assault, what you should do if it is occurring during a trip, and how liability will be determined.
As previously stated, a majority of victims of sexual assault or misconduct have been women. Uber has taken notice of this alarming fact and is committed to help prevent these incidents before they occur. The rideshare company has partnered up with women’s safety groups, along with establishing policies and raising awareness to put a stop to these horrific events.
Identifying Sexual Assault
Sexual misconduct is when a driver begins to insinuate inappropriate comments or gestures. Sexual assault is the action of nonconsensual touching, kissing, or violating among other inappropriate actions towards an individual. If a rideshare driver or rider is found to commit either action, they should be reported right away. As seen in the top fears Uber riders have, sexual assault is one of the most common.
It is encouraged for sexual assault victims to seek legal representation in order to acquire compensation for losses.
Steps to Take After Being Sexually Assaulted
The aftermath of being sexually assaulted can be an emotional haze, and although it can be very difficult to process the actuality of what took place, it is important to take action quickly to hold the perpetrator and the rideshare company accountable.
Liability in a Sexual Assault Case
Sexual assault can occur for a number of different reasons. A rideshare driver might want to:
All of these situations are the fault of the rideshare driver and of the rideshare company. The rideshare company is given the responsibility of hiring suitable drivers with a clean background. If they did not take the time and effort into reviewing applications, they will be held responsible for their negligent actions.
Filing a lawsuit against a rideshare driver can be tricky, especially since they are classified as independent contractors, again.
In September of 2019, California Assembly Bill 5 (AB5) was passed, meaning that rideshare and food delivery drivers were to be classified as employees. However, Prop 22 was later announced. This initiative ballot was created to leave the employment status of rideshare and food delivery drivers as independent contractors.
Prop 22 passed in November of 2020, but was later identified as unconstitutional in August of 2021. The ballot is expected to make its way to California’s Supreme Court to determine whether it should be enforced or removed. As of now, Prop 22 will remain effective until a decision is made.
Need an Uber or Lyft Attorney? West Coast Trial Lawyers Can Help
If you were involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, our skilled personal injury lawyers at West Coast Trial Lawyers will help you get the compensation you deserve for your losses. We are committed to resolving your legal issues as quickly as possible while receiving the best results. Our clients are represented on a contingency fee basis. If we do not win, you owe us nothing. There is no financial risk to prevent you from reaching out.
Contact us today by calling (213) 652-5649 or filling out our quick contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our knowledgeable, caring, and compassionate legal team.
If you have been injured in an accident, you can count on the legal team at West Coast Trial Lawyers to fight for your rights every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation with a personal injury attorney.
An accident can dramatically change your life in an instant, leaving you scared, frustrated, and uncertain where to turn to for help. West Coast Trial Lawyers is an experienced law firm committed to helping you every step of the way. Client satisfaction is our first priority and we are proud that our clients have ranked our firm as the number one personal injury law firm. 1 We are first-rate trial attorneys who will provide you with the focused representation needed to secure a just recovery in your case. Our personal injury lawyers combine extensive courtroom experience with an aggressive mindset to help you secure the compensation that you deserve.
Our personal injury lawyers know the lengths big insurance companies will go to limit the amount of money they have to pay to injury victims and we are prepared for the fight. We have worked at the largest and most powerful law firms in Los Angeles. Neama Rahmani, our president and co-founder, also served as a federal prosecutor with the United States Attorney’s Office and Enforcement Director at the Ethics Commission. Our tough and talented litigators understand how insurance companies operate and are prepared to stand up to them at every stage of the process. We believe that everyone is entitled to justice and we work aggressively to help you receive the financial compensation and support you need on your road to recovery.
350 South Grand Avenue, Suite 3350
Los Angeles, California 90071
Phone Number: (213) 293-3350
1147 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, California 90015
Phone Number: (888) 341-9802
315 S. Beverly Dr. Suite 320,
Beverly Hills, California, 90212
Phone Number: (310) 919-5962
7850 White Lane, Suite 3J
Bakersfield, California 93309
Phone Number: (661) 299-7554
111 West Ocean Boulevard, Suite 400
Long Beach, California 90802
Phone Number: (562) 396-9874
2955 Main Street, Suite 110
Irvine, California 92614
Phone Number: (949) 207-9619
16 North Marengo Avenue
Pasadena, California 91101
Phone Number: (626) 412-8157
4210 Riverwalk Parkway, Suite 360
Riverside, California 92505
Phone Number: (951) 393-1299
1762 North Waterman Avenue, Suite C
San Bernardino, California 92404
Phone Number: (909) 787-2178
20016 Ventura Boulevard
Woodland Hills, California 91364
Phone Number: (818) 514-9423
225 West Plaza Street, Suite 102
Solana Beach, California 92075
Phone Number: (858) 283-5917
6222 North 1st, Suite 102,
Fresno, California 93710
Phone Number: (559) 272-9881
20301 SW Acacia St #150,
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone Number: (949) 822-9593
2450 Venture Oaks Way, Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 92660
Phone Number: (916) 378-1479
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcome. We only accept service and ex parte notice at our Los Angeles office.
1 in Los Angeles, according to Yelp
© 2022 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED – WEST COAST TRIAL LAWYERS | LOS ANGELES PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS