If you have been sexually assaulted while using Uber, Kherkher Garcia, LLP wants to help. Our Uber sexual assault lawyer is passionate about helping assault victims get the support and legal guidance they need to hold Uber and their drivers accountable.
You survived your attack – now let us help you reclaim your legal rights.
How Many Uber Sexual Assaults Have Occurred?
According to Uber’s safety reports, between 2019 and 2020:
- There were 3,824 reports of sexual assault and misconduct on the platform in the U.S.
- This includes 141 reports of rape
- The company also reported 20 people were killed in assaults
- Reports suggest that at least 101 people died in crashes during this time period
Additional safety reports for 2022 note the following for just that year:
- There were 2,926 reports of sexual assault and misconduct
- This includes 110 reports of rape
- The company also reported 13 people were killed in assaults
- Reportedly, 89 people died in crashes during this time period
It is important to note that these are just the reported incidents. It is possible that there were other sexual assaults that were not reported. These statistics also suggest an alarming increase in the number of sexual assaults and other misconduct. For 2022 alone, the number of reported assaults is nearly as high as for 2019 and 2020 together. This could be partly due to more people coming forward and reporting misconduct; but also could be due to more incidents.
What is Uber Doing to Improve Safety?
Uber has recognized the importance of addressing safety concerns and has taken several steps to improve passenger protection against sexual assault. Here are some initiatives and features they have introduced in recent years:
In-App Safety Features
Uber has integrated various safety features into its app, allowing riders to share trip details with trusted contacts, call emergency services, and access the Safety Toolkit during their rides.
Background Checks
Uber conducts thorough background checks on driver-partners, which includes reviewing their criminal records and driving history. They continuously monitor these records for any new offenses that may affect a driver’s eligibility to provide rides.
Enhanced Screening Processes
Uber has worked on improving their driver screening processes and verification mechanisms. This includes utilizing technology to enhance identity verification and employing third-party services for additional driver background checks.
Anonymous Feedback and Reporting
Uber has implemented a feature that enables riders and drivers to report safety incidents and provide feedback anonymously. This encourages users to come forward and share their experiences without fear of retaliation.
Driver Education and Safety Guidelines
Uber has provided safety guidelines and educational materials to its driver-partners, emphasizing appropriate behavior and zero tolerance for any form of harassment or assault.
Partnership with External Organizations
Uber collaborates with external organizations, such as RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), to provide specialized training and resources on sexual assault prevention and support.
What Should I Do after an Uber Sexual Assault?
If you have been sexually assaulted by an Uber driver, or any other rideshare service driver, it is crucial to prioritize your safety and take appropriate actions. Here are some steps you can consider:
- Ensure Immediate Safety: If you are in immediate danger or feel unsafe, call 911 right away.
- Seek a Safe Location: Move to a safe place, ideally a public area, where you feel secure and can take the necessary steps to address the situation.
- Contact Authorities: Reach out to your local law enforcement agency and report the incident. Provide them with all the details of the incident, including the date, time, location, and a description of the driver involved.
- Preserve Evidence: If possible, try to preserve any evidence that may support your case. This could include saving any text messages, emails, or other communication with the driver, taking photos of any visible injuries, or preserving any relevant documents or receipts.
- Contact Uber: Reach out to Uber directly to report the incident. You can use the “Help” section in the Uber app or visit Uber’s website for the appropriate contact information. Provide them with a detailed account of what happened, including the date, time, and location of the incident, as well as the driver’s information.
- Get Legal Support: It may be helpful to consult with a lawyer experienced in handling cases of sexual assault or personal injury. They can guide you through the legal process, help protect your rights, and assist you in seeking justice.
Remember, these are general steps to consider, and the specific actions you should take may depend on your individual circumstances. It is crucial to prioritize your safety, seek support, and consult professionals who can provide the appropriate guidance based on your situation.
Can I File an Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit?
To determine if you have an actionable claim, you should speak with an Uber sexual assault lawyer. A lawyer will carefully review the facts of your case and determine your options for pursuing justice and compensation.
Rideshare sexual assault claims are complex, and this new area of law can be tedious to understand. That’s why it is so important to work with a lawyer who has skill and experience handling this type of case.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Lawsuit?
There are two main types of damages that can be recovered in a rideshare sexual assault lawsuit: economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those that can be easily quantified, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify, but they can be just as important, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In a rideshare sexual assault lawsuit, you may be able to recover economic damages for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Out-of-pocket expenses for therapy or counseling
- Property damage
You also may be able to recover non-economic damages for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (the loss of companionship and support from a spouse or partner)
The amount of damages you can recover will depend on the specific facts of the case. However, in general, the more severe the assault, the more damages the victim is likely to recover.
It is important to note that in order to recover damages in a rideshare sexual assault lawsuit, you must prove that the rideshare company was negligent. This means that the company must have failed to take reasonable steps to protect you from harm.
If you have been the victim of sexual assault while using a rideshare service, you should contact an attorney to discuss your legal options. An attorney can help you understand your rights and can help you file a lawsuit if you choose to do so.
How an Uber Sexual Assault Lawyer Can Work for You
Filing a lawsuit is a challenging and stressful action, even under less traumatic circumstances. But in the case of Uber sexual assaults, victims need a lawyer on their side that they can trust to protect their rights and protect their dignity.
At Kherkher Garcia, we are well aware of the challenges involved with claims against rideshare companies. Our lawyers have invested years into gaining knowledge and experience that benefits our clients and the outcome of their cases. When you work with our team, you have the benefit of the following:
- Collecting evidence to prove your claims
- Handling all communication with Uber, insurance companies, or other parties
- Strict confidentiality with your circumstances and personal information
- Carefully assessing your case and calculating damages
- Negotiating a possible settlement of your case
- Filing a lawsuit on your behalf
- Appearing in court if a lawsuit is filed
Throughout your legal matter, you should know that we have your back and will support you every step of the way.
Speak With an Uber Sexual Assault Lawyer Now
If you have questions about an Uber sexual assault, you can contact Kherkher Garcia at any time for a free and confidential consultation. During your consultation, we will answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and help you make an informed decision about how to proceed.
To start your consultation, call us at 713-333-1030, fill out our online form, or chat with us on our website. We are here for you!
Additional Resources:
- The National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE
- The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
- The National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA)
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