Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft operate on a simple business model: matching passengers with qualified drivers to provide a safe and convenient means of transportation. However, incidents of sexual assault and misconduct have been reported by drivers and passengers across the country. And while Uber and Lyft have acknowledged the growing crisis in recent years, their attempts to address and solve the issue has been inadequately slow. As a result, victims of sexual assault connected to Uber and Lyft’s services continue to come forward at a shocking rate.
Sexual abuse in a rideshare can take many forms. In addition to forced sexual acts, it also includes: requests for sexual favors; verbal sexual harassment such as obscene jokes; discussion of sexual relations or fantasies; indecent exposure; displaying pornographic material; and unwanted touching or physical contact.
The Severity of Uber and Lyft’s Sexual Assault Crisis
In June 2022, Uber released its second U.S. Safety Report and disclosed that there were 998 sexual assaults and 141 rapes in 2020 alone. Thousands of reports of sexual assault and misconduct have been filed since Uber began operating in 2009, finding that both riders and drivers were targets of abuse. The overwhelming majority of victims are were female passengers who were, according to legal complaints, “kidnapped, sexually assaulted, sexually battered, raped, falsely imprisoned, stalked, harassed, or otherwise attacked by Uber drivers.” Victims have alleged the “toxic-male culture” at Uber is to blame, stating that the company prioritized profits and growth above the safety of its customers and drivers.
Concerns of inadequate background checks for drivers and gross inaction on the part of these companies have led numerous victims to file sexual assault lawsuits against Uber and Lyft. The human rights and sexual abuse attorneys at Wallace Miller understand how difficult it can be to come forward and seek justice against your attacker, and we’re here to listen to your story. Our free and confidential evaluation can help determine if you have a sexual assault case against Uber or Lyft, and our experienced team will be with you at every stage of the process. Contact Wallace Miller today to learn more.
Dear Survivor,
Thank you for having the courage to come forward. We are here to help you navigate what will be a difficult road ahead. Know that you are not alone. You should not feel ashamed or invalidated. While we cannot undo the terrible things that have happened to you, we will fight for justice on your behalf.
Very Sincerely,