Uber and Lyft Sexual Assault Lawyers

Uber and Lyft Sexual Assault Attorney

Sexual assault is a terrifying ordeal that no one should have to experience, especially at the hands of someone you trust to help you, like a rideshare driver. Unfortunately, Lyft and Uber sexual assaults are far more common than they should be, and while some perpetrators are drivers, others are rideshare passengers.

In this article, we’ll discuss the alarming statistics regarding sexual assault and ridesharing. We’ll go over Uber and Lyft’s sexual assault statistics pulled from their own safety reports, and we’ll talk about some of the most recent sexual assault lawsuits against the two companies – both class action lawsuits and personal ones.

We’ll briefly discuss the difference between sexual misconduct and sexual assault and whether you can bring a lawsuit for each of them, then we will go into detail about what to do following a sexual assault and how to build the strongest possible case against the perpetrator. Finally, we’ll close with a recommendation for an experienced rideshare attorney who can get you results.

Alarming Statistics: Sexual Assault and Ridesharing

Lyft and Uber sexual assault cases are considered rare by some, but to those affected by these crimes, they’re not nearly rare enough. Uber and Lyft sexual assault has become common enough that both companies conduct annual background checks and vehicle inspections.

Both ridesharing companies periodically release safety reports as well.

According to Uber’s latest safety report, there were about 3,824 incidents of severe sexual assault and misconduct. Uber reported 141 incidents of rape and 998 sexual assaults in 2020, according to NBC News. 43% of the accused perpetrators of these crimes were riders. These alarming statistics show that there should be protective measures in place for both drivers and passengers.

In 2021, Lyft also released a safety report which showed data from 2017 to 2019. In two years, there was a total of 4,158 sexual assault cases. In the year 2019 alone, there were 1,807 cases of sexual assault, and 156 of them were rape.

It’s believed that these statistics could be far lower than the actual number of crimes, however, since most sexual assault cases go unreported by the victim.

Rideshare Lawsuits

In July 2022, Uber was sued for 550 sexual assault and attack claims. Every Uber sexual assault lawyer in the case has been working diligently to ensure that the victims get justice and to push for more safety practices for the rideshare service, including:

• Encouraging drivers to report criminal activity to law enforcement
• Adding cameras to deter assaults
• Creating a warning system when drivers stray from their designated route
• Performing more robust background checks on drivers

Lyft is also being sued, with 17 new lawsuits from drivers or passengers claiming sexual or physical abuse. Of the 17 claimants, 13 were sexually assaulted. Tracey Cowan, a Lyft sexual assault lawyer, echoed the above sentiments, saying, “The best possible outcome would be for Lyft to… take the steps it needs to take to make everyone safe.”

What is Sexual Misconduct vs. Sexual Assault?

There are two actions for which you could make a personal injury claim: sexual misconduct and sexual assault. Sexual misconduct refers to unwanted and inappropriate comments or gestures.

The other action, sexual assault, encompasses many things, including:

• Nonconsensual kissing
• Nonconsensual touching
• Attempted nonconsensual penetration
• Nonconsensual penetration

These are serious crimes, and you are entitled to justice by seeking help from a Lyft or Uber sexual assault attorney.

What to Do if You’ve Been a Victim of Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is a harrowing and difficult experience to go through. Although the process of seeking help can also be emotionally and physically disturbing, it’s important to act quickly.

Willingness to follow through with the process will help ensure that the person who did this and the company that allowed it to happen are held responsible for their actions. You may be able to prevent your attacker from hurting anyone else by coming forward.

1. Call the Police

Call 911. A medical professional will examine you and collect evidence by conducting tests known as a “rape kit.” This is often the toughest part of the process for victims. As difficult as it is, it’s best to gather as much evidence as possible to make your case.

You’ll also need to file a police report, and share as many important details as you can. Be sure to include the person’s information (and the driver’s info, if they were responsible or in the vehicle at the time). You’ll also need a description of the vehicle in which this took place. You can find this information in the app.

2. Report it to the Company

Tell Uber or Lyft about the sexual assault. They’ll launch an investigation into the driver’s history.

3. Collect Evidence

We understand that reliving the event can be extremely upsetting. However, it’s important to pile up as much evidence as possible against the perpetrator. Collect as much evidence as you can from the crime, and do your best to document the incident.

Include the date, time, and location where the assault happened. You’ll also need the rideshare driver’s personal info and other details that you feel would strengthen your case.

Here are some of the examples of types of evidence used in sexual assault cases:

• DNA evidence collected from a “rape kit”
• Physical evidence from the crime scene (such as clothing, bedding, and other items)
• Sketches and photographs of the crime scene
• Digital evidence (such as social media posts)
• Witness testimony (if there were any)

4. Find A Skilled Uber or Lyft Sexual Assault Attorney

An experienced rideshare lawyer can help you build the most solid case possible, ensuring that you get maximum compensation from your attacker.