Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit: Latest Updates & Guide (2025)

What are the Uber & Lyft Lawsuits?

A rideshare lawsuit may involve various issues – including crashes and assaults. One type is a rideshare sexual assault lawsuit, and both Uber and Lyft are currently facing numerous lawsuits of this nature.

Current Legal Actions

A 2022 Lyft class action lawsuit led to a settlement of $25 million for its shareholders, who claimed that the company hid safety issues – including sexual assaults. However, Lyft denied any wrongdoing in offering this settlement – and they compensated their shareholders instead of actual victims.

Survivors of sexual assault are still pursuing lawsuits against Lyft, and more victims are joining these legal battles every day.

In 2023, hundreds of victims filed Uber sexual assault lawsuits in the Northern District of California, alleging that the company negligently failed to protect its passengers for years. That October, a panel of judges joined 80 cases in a multidistrict litigation (MDL.) That litigation remains pending.

These are just a few examples of rideshare lawsuits in the United States today, and these companies continue to face new legal issues each month. Most Americans probably need to be made aware of this controversy's true scale, as hundreds of more pending cases are awaiting review.

Basis of Uber & Lyft Lawsuits

A core element of these lawsuits is what is called “breach of duty.” As providers of transport services, Uber and Lyft owe their passengers a “duty of care.”

A duty of care is a legal responsibility to protect their passengers from preventable hazards – including those posed by drivers. This duty becomes unavoidable when rideshare companies become aware of specific hazards, and both Uber and Lyft have documented thousands of sexual assaults for years.

Lyft and Uber’s in-house reports reveal sexual assault is a problem in their services. In its safety reports, Uber admitted that within any given year, it receives thousands of sexual assault reports. These incidents ranged from unwanted touching and kissing to penetration and even kidnapping.

Although less popular, Lyft released similar data – highlighting thousands of sexual assaults per year. Women were disproportionately targeted by these incidents, although there were also numerous male victims. It is also worth noting that both riders and drivers report sexual assaults in rideshare vehicles.

The Lyft and Uber sexual assault statistics show the shortcomings examined in the lawsuits. Many claims indicate Uber and Lyft failed to vet their drivers during the onboarding process correctly and hired drivers with questionable records, including sexual assault.

Plaintiffs claim Uber used low-cost background-checking services that could not identify potential sexual offenders. These background checks did not access extensive criminal record databases, and numerous convicted criminals slipped through the cracks and started driving for Uber.

Also, both rideshare companies are struggling with allegations of deceptive marketing practices. Plaintiffs accuse Uber and Lyft of creating a false impression of safety and security – even as they were receiving countless reports of sexual assaults and hiring numerous convicted criminals. If the court can verify these claims, it might increase the Uber and Lyft lawsuit settlements plaintiffs ultimately receive.

Understanding Uber MDL Lawsuits

When multiple lawsuits are filed for the same reason against a multi-jurisdiction business like Uber, they are sometimes consolidated into multi-district litigation (MDL) so they can be handled in a singular district.

The Uber lawsuit, formally known as “Uber Technologies, Passenger Sexual Assault Litigation (MDL No. 3084),” is centralized in California.

Recoverable Damages in Uber Sexual Assault Cases

If you’ve been assaulted by a rideshare driver, a rideshare sexual assault lawyer may be able to help you recover damages.

Sexual assault settlement amounts are largely based on the compensation your legal team can prove you’re entitled to. This compensation generally falls under two categories: economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages (Special Damages)

Economic damages are compensation for losses you can assign an exact dollar value to. Here are some examples of possible economic damages in an Uber sexual assault lawsuit:

• Medical costs associated with the assault
• The cost of therapy or other mental health treatment
• Wage replacement for missed work

If you’re considering filing a lawsuit, make sure you keep receipts for all expenses related to the assault.

Non-Economic Damages (General Damages)

Non-economic damages compensate victims for intangible losses, such as pain and suffering and mental anguish. To prove that your claims are valid, your lawyer might call expert witnesses to explain the impact a sexual assault can have on your mental health.

Rideshare Assault Lawsuit: Legal Fallout

The ongoing Uber sexual assault lawsuit is significant not just for the victims and the company itself but for the broader legal landscape and the rideshare industry as a whole.

This lawsuit has exposed the need for stricter safety measures, comprehensive background checks, and responsible hiring practices within rideshare companies. If these companies fail to address these issues proactively, they could face similar legal battles, damaging their reputation and causing a loss of trust among their user base.

Moreover, the lawsuit could catalyze changes in the regulation of the rideshare industry. Lawmakers and regulators might be prompted to introduce tighter policies governing these companies, ensuring that they prioritize passenger safety over their own growth and profits. New rules could include mandatory safety measures, thorough vetting of drivers, and severe penalties for non-compliance.

The lawsuit also raises the question of liability in the digital age. As our world becomes increasingly connected and services become more digitized, the lines of responsibility and accountability can become blurred. This case could set a precedent for how digital platforms like Uber are held accountable for the actions resulting from their service.

How Uber Is Responding to Sexual Assault Allegations

Reports of the lawsuit and available Uber sexual assault statistics haven’t painted the company in a good light.

Uber has done all it can to undermine the plaintiffs’ case. For example, the company’s leaders have said that it’s against the app’s terms of use for passengers to participate in consolidated litigation. The judge denied that motion.

Uber has also taken steps to improve safety for passengers. Since the beginning of the lawsuit, it has passed several enhanced safety measures, such as:

• Checking periodically for new criminal records
• Removing drivers with criminal records
• Performing closer reviews of driving records
• Anonymizing passenger information
• Creating an in-app emergency button
• Adding a feature that detects deviations from the route, long stops, and crashes
• Adding an option to share the trip with a friend or family member

As more time passes, the company — and the general public — will be able to see how effective these measures are at decreasing sexual assaults.

The Industry-Wide Impact of the Uber Lawsuit

The ongoing Uber lawsuit has sent ripples throughout the rideshare industry, prompting introspection and reevaluation of safety standards. The case has sparked a vital conversation about passenger safety, leading to an industry-wide review of safety measures and driver vetting procedures.

If the MDL lawsuit in California results in a judgment against Uber, other rideshare companies may be encouraged to reassess their safety protocols and take preventive measures to avoid similar legal predicaments. Companies may consider implementing more robust background checks, incorporating in-car safety features, and providing better oversight of their drivers to ensure passenger safety.

This lawsuit could also lead to regulatory changes. Policymakers might introduce new rules mandating rideshare companies to maintain higher safety standards and enforce stricter driver vetting procedures. The emphasis would shift from rapid growth to establishing trust and safety, fundamentally reshaping the industry's operations.

Moreover, the lawsuit could foster a culture of transparency in the rideshare industry. Companies should be more open about their safety records, contributing to a broader understanding of the risks and measures needed to mitigate them.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing Sexual Assault Lawsuit?

Depending on your state, the statute of limitations could be anywhere from two to 10 years. However, to give your attorney ample time to build your case, it’s best to seek legal advice as soon as possible.

Filing an Uber or Lyft Lawsuit?

ConsumerShield plays a crucial role in advocating for change by offering a Free Rideshare Case Review to victims of sexual assault in rideshare scenarios, helping them seek justice and compensation. ConsumerShield contributes to the push for greater safety and transparency in the rideshare industry by advocating for these victims and holding companies accountable.

If you want to explore the possibility of a rideshare lawsuit, consider contacting ConsumerShield at your earliest convenience. With our help, you can approach this challenging situation with efficiency and dignity. Joining a class action lawsuit may be easier than imagined, and we’ll connect you with all the resources you need to pursue justice.