Rideshare Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

What Is Rideshare Sexual Abuse?

Rideshare sexual abuse refers to any form of sexual harassment, assault, or unwanted advances that occur during a rideshare trip. Perpetrators can be drivers, passengers, or others involved in the trip.

This abuse includes verbal harassment, nonconsensual touching, and physical assault. Survivors may face challenges reporting these incidents due to fear, embarrassment, or the belief that their complaints won’t be taken seriously.

The issue is more widespread than many realize:

• Uber received a report of sexual assault nearly every 8 minutes on average in the U.S. between 2017 and 2022, according to court documents.
• Over 400,000 Uber trips resulted in reports of sexual misconduct during that time period, as noted in the court records.
• 3,824 sexual assaults were reported on Uber’s app from 2019 to 2022, according to the company’s most recent safety report.
• Lyft logged 2,651 instances of the 5 most serious types of sexual assault from 2020-2022, as noted in the company’s safety report.

Since many rideshare sexual assault cases go unreported, the actual figures are likely much higher.

No one should have to endure sexual abuse during a rideshare trip. Survivors deserve to be heard and compensated. Filing a rideshare sexual abuse lawsuit is a way to seek accountability and money for medical expenses, emotional distress, and more.

Get a free case review right now. Our team is here to listen, guide you, and help you fight for the justice you deserve.

How Rideshare Companies Fail to Protect Passengers

Survivors who have filed rideshare sexual assault lawsuits argue that corporate decisions by Uber and Lyft have increased the risk of abuse for passengers. Instead of prioritizing safety measures, advocates say the companies cut corners in ways that left riders vulnerable.

Key allegations in lawsuits for rideshare sexual abuse include:

• Failure to warn riders: Survivors claim Uber and Lyft did not properly notify them about known risks or past incidents related to problematic drivers.
• Flawed reporting pathways: In-app reporting on rideshare platforms can be confusing or delayed, especially when immediate help may be needed during a ride.
• Inadequate background checks: Screening processes for Lyft or Uber drivers may miss prior incidents of sexual assault or misconduct.
• Risky app design choices: For years, neither Uber nor Lyft gave riders meaningful ways to choose the gender of their driver. This meant that survivors who felt safer riding with a same-gender driver had no reliable option to reduce their risk.

Uber and Lyft claim safety features like in-app 911, live safety agents, and programs to increase same-gender matches have gone a long way to protecting users. Still, survivors argue these measures came too late, aren’t consistently used, and fall short of preventing rideshare sexual abuse.

Types of Rideshare Sexual Abuse

Rideshare apps were designed to make getting around safer and more convenient. Unfortunately, these same platforms have also created opportunities for abuse. Survivors have reported many forms of sexual misconduct by drivers and fellow passengers.

Common types of rideshare sexual abuse include:

• Sexual harassment: Lewd comments, unwanted sexual advances, or explicit messages sent through rideshare apps
• Unwanted sexual contact: Nonconsensual touching, groping, or kissing
• Sexual assault: Attempted or completed sexual penetration through force, intimidation, or coercion
• Kidnapping: Locking doors, disabling child locks, or deviating from the intended route to commit abuse
• Retaliation and intimidation: Threats, stalking, or harassment after the ride, sometimes using masked phone numbers or even sharing their personal information online

“I was taking my backpack off, and then hands were touching me. I just kept thinking, ‘I can’t believe this is happening.’”
– Jennifer, Rideshare Sexual Abuse Survivor

Sexual violence is not only deeply violating but also criminal. Survivors should know that they have the right to take action. In addition to pressing criminal charges, civil lawsuits allow victims to pursue compensation for medical care, lost wages, and emotional suffering.

If you or someone you love has experienced rideshare sexual abuse, you are not alone. The Victim Advocacy Center is here to listen, support you, and help you explore your legal options. Together, we can take steps toward accountability and healing.

Call (877) 684-0487 right now to speak with a compassionate advocate for free.

How to File a Rideshare Sexual Assault Lawsuit

At the Victim Advocacy Center, we understand how overwhelming it can feel to take legal action after surviving rideshare sexual abuse. We’ve partnered with a team of professionals who can handle all the legal work, allowing you to focus on your healing and well-being.

A rideshare sexual abuse law firm in our network can:

1. Provide a free case review, allowing you to understand your legal options without any financial risk
2. Gather evidence like medical records, police reports, rideshare complaints, and witness testimony to build your case
3. File your rideshare lawsuit in the proper court before any legal deadlines
4. Pursue compensation through a rideshare sexual abuse settlement or, if needed, by presenting your case in court

A rideshare assault lawsuit can do more than hold Uber and Lyft accountable — it can also provide survivors like you with the resources needed to heal and move forward.

No survivor should have to face these powerful corporations alone. The Victim Advocacy Center is here to stand with you, answer your questions, and guide you toward a safer, stronger future.

How to Report Rideshare Sexual Abuse

Reporting sexual abuse in a rideshare is an important step in protecting yourself and potentially preventing future harm to others. Documenting what happened creates a record that can support both criminal investigations and civil lawsuits.

Steps to take after rideshare sexual abuse include:

• Call 911 right away: If you feel unsafe or the incident is still in progress, call 911. Emergency responders can ensure your immediate safety and begin an official record of the assault.
• Contact the rideshare company: Use the app’s safety or support features to file a report. Include as much detail as you can, like the rideshare driver or passenger’s name, time and location of the ride, and a description of what happened. Keep screenshots of your ride receipt or any messages exchanged through the app.
• File a police report: Even if time has passed since the assault, contact local law enforcement to file a report. A police record can help protect others, strengthen your credibility if you choose to pursue a rideshare abuse lawsuit, and ensure your experience is taken seriously.
• Seek medical care and emotional support: Visit a hospital or your doctor to document physical assault injuries and receive treatment. Consider reaching out to a sexual assault counselor or advocacy hotline for confidential emotional support.
• Talk to an attorney: A rideshare sexual assault attorney can provide legal advice, guide you through the next steps, and pursue compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.

Reporting rideshare abuse is not only about your case. It can also help hold perpetrators accountable and pressure rideshare companies to improve passenger safety. You do not have to go through this process alone — support is available every step of the way.

Get Support for Rideshare Sexual Abuse

No survivor should have to carry the weight of rideshare sexual abuse alone. Speaking up can be a powerful step toward healing, and it may also help prevent the same harm from happening to others.

At the Victim Advocacy Center, we’re here to listen without judgment, explain your options, and connect you with resources that put your safety and well-being first.

With the right support, you can demand accountability, push for safer rideshare practices, and begin the process of healing.

Call (877) 684-0487 right now or request your free case review online. You deserve to be heard — and supported.