We have been helping victims of sexual assault since 2001. If you would like a FREE, confidential case review with a lawyer, please contact us any time.
Uber and Lyft have changed lives for the better. I have memories of looking for a taxi on a freezing New Years Eve in Chicago and not being able to find one. The 30 minute walk home was not one I would ever want to repeat.
It’s a good product and also creates an opportunity for people to earn money in a way that was not possible before.
But of course, Uber and Lyft have problems. It is estimated that Uber alone has nearly ten million drivers world wide with more than one million of those in the United States. And while they have a screening process, it would be nearly impossible for them not to hire some bad people as drivers.
As a result, there have been numerous instances of passengers in Uber’s and Lyft passengers being raped or otherwise sexually assaulted by drivers. It is a disgusting act and if it happens to you, there are three things you should do as soon as you safely can.
- Call the police.
- Go to the hospital. This is for your health and to preserve evidence.
- Call an attorney. You can reach out to us any time at 800-517-1614.
Can You Sue Uber or Lyft For Sexual Assaults By Their Drivers?
It’s well known by most people that these ride share companies consider their drivers to be independent contractors. You can argue if that is true in reality or not. What is not arguable, in my opinion, is that these drivers are acting as agents of the companies.
Because they are agents of the companies, juries have found repeatedly that Uber/Lyft are responsible for the actions of their drivers. Most recently a jury awarded a victim of sexual assault $8.5 million against Uber due to the actions of one of their drivers.
And this was not a unique case. Uber is facing more than 3,000 other lawsuits for victims or rape and other sexual assaults by their drivers. In other words, if this happened to you, you are not alone. Most of these rides are safe, but some of these drivers are scumbags and commit atrocious acts.
You can get justice, both criminally and civilly.
How To Win A Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Uber or Lyft
Every case is different, so there is no way to “guarantee” a win in one of these lawsuits. That said, there are plenty of ways to increase your chances of success. This includes:
- Calling the police right away.
- Hiring an attorney who is actually experienced in handling sexual assault cases. A track record of having won those cases goes a long way. We have been involved of hundreds of these cases.
- Get follow up medical care, if you need it. This is an emotionally traumatizing event. There is no need to tough it out. Getting psychological care can help you recover and also aid a lawsuit in terms of proving damages.
- Don’t delay. There are time limits for bringing a lawsuit and not acting fast could also cause important evidence to be missing.
Concerns People Have In Bringing A Sexual Assault Lawsuit
It would be very understandable if you were uncomfortable talking about this event or having to relive it. Others are concerned about costs. Some important things to know:
- These lawsuits are typically filed anonymously. Your name would not be listed, but instead would say Jane or John Doe. In other words, it would not likely be publicly searchable.
- We treat all victims with dignity and respect and do whatever we can to support them. If you feel more comfortable with a lawyer of your same gender, we will make that happen. And we will never pressure you to do anything.
- It costs nothing to hire a top sexual assault attorney. All of these cases are handled on a contingency basis which means you pay nothing up front and we only get paid if we make a financial recovery for you.
- If you decide you are not comfortable for any reason, the case can/will stop.
We take these cases very seriously and promise to do whatever we can to help. If you have been a victim of sexual assault or abuse, please call us any time at 800-517-1614. All calls are free and confidential.
