Rideshare Sexual Assault Lawyers

Rideshare services, also known as ride-hailing services, use phone apps to connect riders with drivers who use their private vehicles to transport passengers short distances. Although ridesharing services are convenient, there is growing concern that they can be dangerous.

Uber reported nearly 6,000 cases of serious sexual assault between riders and drivers in 2017 and 2018, while Lyft has also faced allegations of sexual assault by its drivers. The reported sexual assault allegations fall under five categories, including:

• Non-consensual kissing of a non-sexual body part
• Attempted non-consensual sexual penetration
• Non-consensual touching of a sexual body part
• Non-consensual kissing of a sexual body part
• Non-consensual sexual penetration

Why Is Ridesharing So Dangerous?

Rideshare services present unique risks of physical and sexual assault due to several factors, including:

• Independent contractor risks – Rideshare drivers are independent contractors and are not subject to the same regulations and licensing requirements as traditional taxi drivers. Although Uber and Lyft conduct criminal background checks, they may have failed to protect their customers and drivers by not rechecking for criminal activity after hiring.
• False sense of safety – While many people view ridesharing as a safer alternative to drunk driving, this perception of safety can lead to situations where passengers may be more vulnerable to assault due to intoxication or the inability to consent. Carpooling options may also increase the risk of assault between passengers.
• Lack of safety features – Rideshare drivers use their own vehicles and may lack essential safety features that traditional taxis have, such as physical dividers or dashboard cameras. This can impact the safety of both drivers and passengers.

What to Do If You Were Assaulted in an Uber or Lyft

If a rideshare driver sexually assaulted you, you could potentially sue both the driver and the rideshare company for compensation. At Hach Rose Schirripa & Cheverie LLP, our team of rideshare sexual assault lawyers will thoroughly investigate the matter and file a sex assault lawsuit if the evidence supports your case.

Compensation may cover non-economic losses such as:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Psychological harm
• Emotional harm, including PTSD

Rideshare companies have insurance and significant assets to pay for their share of liability. Our attorneys are committed to helping victims pursue legal action against their abuser and the parties that enabled the assault.