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While sexual assault is a criminal act, you can also file a Lyft or Uber sexual assault lawsuit to get financial compensation for your losses. You should explore your legal options with the help of a Lyft sexual assault lawyer. With over $1 Billion recovered for victims, call The Law Giant Injury Lawyers today at 505-900-0000 for a free consultation.

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How Common Are Sexual Assault Cases in Rideshares?

Sexual assaults in rideshares are a serious issue that has garnered significant attention in recent years. While the exact number of cases is difficult to determine due to underreporting and varying definitions of sexual assault, available data suggests that these incidents occur more frequently than many people realize.

Types of Sexual Assault in Ubers and Lyfts

‘People who ride in Ubers and Lyfts are in danger of experiencing many different types of sexual assault, including:

  • Non-consensual kissing of a sexual or non-sexual body part
  • Attempted non-sexual penetration
  • Non-consensual sexual penetration
  • Non-consensual touching of a sexual body part
  • Sexually suggestive comments or gestures (often described as sexual harassment)
  • Non-consensual exposure to pornographic material
  • Non-consensual sexual photos being taken of you (e.g. upskirting)

Sexual Assault Statistics in Ubers and Lyfts

Sexual assault statistics are often reported by rideshare companies long after the dates when the incidents occurred. This is because the companies take a considerable amount of time to investigate each incident before adding it to their statistics.

According to a New York Times article, Uber reported that in 2019 and 2020, there were 3,824 sexual assaults reported in the United States. Despite ridership decline in 2020, the company reported 141 rapes (non-consensual sexual penetration) and 998 sexual assaults (described as types of sexual assault other than non-consensual sexual penetration) in 2020, which was a decrease from previous years.

Uber committed to releasing a report on sexual assault every two years; however, recent reports have been delayed due to the pandemic.

In its first-ever safety report, Lyft disclosed that it received 4,158 reports of sexual assault in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Approximately 360 reports indicated rapes occurred in Lyfts.

How to Report Sexual Assault to Uber & Lyft

If you have been sexually assaulted by an Uber or Lyft driver, it is important to report the incident to the company as soon as possible. Both Uber and Lyft have dedicated reporting procedures in place to handle these types of incidents.

Reporting Sexual Assault to Uber

You can report an incident to Uber by calling their customer support line at 1-800-829-9922. You may also report sexual assault by a driver in the Uber app with the following steps:

  1. Open the Uber app.
  2. Tap on the “Help” menu.
  3. Select “Help with a trip.”
  4. Choose the trip during which the assault occurred.
  5. Tap on “Report safety issue.”
  6. Select “Report a safety incident involving a driver.”
  7. Follow the prompts to provide details about the incident.

Reporting to Lyft

You can report an incident to Lyft by calling their customer support line at 1-855-833-5938. You may also report sexual assault by a driver in the Lyft app with the following steps:

  1. Open the Lyft app.
  2. Tap on the menu icon in the top left corner.
  3. Select “Help.”
  4. Choose “Ride history.”
  5. Select the ride during which the assault occurred.
  6. Tap on “Get Help” (iOS) or “Request Review” (Android).
  7. Select “Report a safety incident.”
  8. Follow the prompts to provide details about the incident.

Reporting to the Police

In addition to reporting the incident to the rideshare company, you should also report it to the police. This will help to ensure that the driver is held accountable for their actions.

Sexual assault causes significant emotional trauma.
9 4 %

of sexually assaulted women experienced PTSD after their attack.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Has Uber & Lyft Done to Correct this Issue?

Uber and Lyft have taken several steps to address the issue of sexual assaults.

Strengthening Background Checks

Both Uber and Lyft have implemented more stringent background checks for drivers, including multi-state criminal checks and social security number verifications.

Enhancing In-App Safety Features

The rideshare companies have introduced several in-app safety features, such as ridesharing, emergency buttons, and real-time GPS tracking. These features allow riders to share their ride information with trusted contacts, alert the company or authorities in case of danger, and track their ride progress.

Partnering with Anti-Sexual Violence Organizations

Uber and Lyft have partnered with organizations like RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) and NSVRC (National Sexual Violence Resource Center) to provide training and resources for drivers and employees on identifying and responding to sexual assault.

Launching the Industry Sharing Safety Program

In 2021, Uber and Lyft launched the Industry Sharing Safety Program, a collaborative initiative to share information about drivers who have been deactivated for serious safety incidents, including sexual assaults. This program aims to prevent these individuals from operating on other rideshare platforms.

How Can I Stay Safe from Sexual Assault?

Here are some tips for staying safe from sexual assault in an Uber or Lyft:

  • Share your ride information with trusted contacts. This includes letting someone know who you are riding with, where you are going, and when you expect to arrive.
  • Use GPS tracking features. Both Uber and Lyft have GPS tracking features. You can also use these features to track your own progress and make sure you are going in the right direction.
  • Be assertive in setting boundaries with drivers. If you feel uncomfortable with anything the driver is saying or doing, let them know. You can also ask to be let out of the car at any time.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the driver and the car you are in. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts, and get out of the car.
  • Check your ride. Before you get into the car, make sure it is the right car with the right driver. Check the license plate, car make and model, and driver photo.
  • Ride in the back seat. This will give you more space between you and the driver.
  • Be sober. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and be able to make sound decisions when you are riding in a rideshare.

What Are Your Legal Options?

Uber sexual assault cases may move forward through both criminal and civil courts.

A sexual assault or rape is a crime, and you can testify against the person who harmed you. However, you can also sue the driver or rideshare company in civil court to get compensation for your losses. You may be able to get money for:

  • Past, present, and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of consortium

You should discuss your legal options with an Uber sexual assault lawyer who knows how to get you the maximum amount of compensation possible.

How Can The Law Giant Help Your Case?

A Lyft sexual assault lawyer from Begum & Cowen can play a crucial role in helping a victim of sexual assault navigate the legal system and seek justice.

We Provide Emotional Support and Guidance

Sexual assault is a traumatic experience, and victims often feel overwhelmed, confused, and afraid. An attorney can provide a safe and supportive space for you to share your experiences and get the emotional support you need.

We Explain Your Legal Options and Rights

The legal system can be complex and intimidating, especially for victims of sexual assault. An attorney can explain the different legal options available to you, such as reporting the assault to the police, filing a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator, or seeking victim compensation benefits.

We Handle Legal Matters on Your Behalf

An attorney can handle various legal tasks on behalf of the victim, such as filing police reports, obtaining restraining orders, gathering evidence, and communicating with law enforcement and prosecutors.

If you decide to pursue criminal charges against the perpetrator, we can represent you in court proceedings, ensuring your rights are protected and presenting evidence to support the prosecution’s case.

We Negotiate Settlements in Sexual Assault Civil Cases

If you choose to file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator, The Law Giant can negotiate a settlement on your behalf, seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages.

We Can Connect You with Sexual Assault Victim Resources

We can connect you with additional resources, such as counseling, support groups, and financial assistance programs, to help you cope with the emotional and psychological effects of sexual assault.