When you request a ride through Uber or Lyft, you expect a safe journey to your destination. Rideshare passengers trust these platforms to vet drivers and maintain safety standards. Yet thousands of passengers experience sexual harassment, assault, and misconduct during rideshare trips each year. These incidents cause profound trauma and raise critical questions about platform accountability.
At Dordick Law Corporation, we represent survivors of rideshare sexual harassment and assault throughout Southern California. We understand the violation of trust that occurs when a driver engages in sexual misconduct. We also understand that rideshare companies bear responsibility for these incidents through negligent hiring, inadequate safety measures, and failure to respond to complaints. Our attorneys hold both drivers and platforms accountable through civil litigation, pursuing the compensation survivors deserve.
If you experienced sexual harassment or assault in a rideshare, you have legal options. We offer a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case and explain your rights. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Understanding Rideshare Sexual Harassment and Assault
Sexual harassment and assault in rideshare settings take many forms. Understanding what constitutes misconduct helps survivors recognize that their experience was wrong and that they have legal recourse.
Rideshare sexual misconduct includes unwanted sexual comments or harassment directed at passengers. Drivers may make inappropriate remarks about a passenger’s appearance, make sexual advances, or engage in sexually suggestive conversation. This verbal conduct creates a hostile environment and violates passenger safety. Sexual harassment in transportation settings creates unique legal claims against both drivers and platforms.
Unwanted touching or groping represents physical sexual harassment. A driver may touch a passenger’s leg, arm, or other body parts without consent. This conduct crosses the line from verbal harassment into physical assault and causes immediate harm. Victims of unwanted sexual contact have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries.
Attempted or completed sexual assault involves more serious criminal conduct. A driver may attempt to force sexual contact or complete a sexual assault during a trip. These incidents cause severe trauma and require immediate legal intervention. Sexual assault survivors deserve justice and accountability from both perpetrators and negligent platforms.
Indecent exposure or leering occurs when a driver exposes genitals to a passenger or engages in voyeuristic conduct. Recording without consent happens when a driver secretly records a passenger without permission, violating privacy and dignity.
Rideshare platforms like Uber and Lyft report thousands of sexual assault incidents annually. Uber’s official 2019-2020 US Safety Report documented 3,824 sexual assault reports over a two-year period in the United States. This data demonstrates that sexual misconduct is not rare—it reflects systemic failures in platform safety protocols. According to California law on sexual assault, survivors have extended timelines to pursue justice.
Rideshare platforms differ from traditional transportation in critical ways. Passengers are alone with drivers in enclosed vehicles. Drivers have access to passenger information, including names, phone numbers, and home addresses. Platforms control driver vetting, safety features, and response to complaints. These factors create unique liability for rideshare companies.
How Rideshare Companies Can Be Held Liable
Many survivors believe they can only sue the driver who committed the assault. In reality, rideshare companies themselves bear significant legal responsibility through multiple liability theories. Our attorneys have extensive experience holding platforms accountable for negligent practices.
Direct driver liability holds the driver accountable for negligent or intentional conduct. A driver who engages in sexual harassment or assault acts negligently or intentionally, causing harm to the passenger. The passenger can pursue a claim against the driver for damages. Rideshare driver misconduct claims establish accountability for individual perpetrators.
Negligent hiring and retention claims target rideshare companies. Uber and Lyft have a duty to conduct thorough background checks before hiring drivers. If a company hires a driver with a history of sexual misconduct or criminal behavior, the company bears responsibility for that hiring decision. Similarly, if a company learns that a driver has engaged in sexual misconduct and fails to remove the driver from the platform, the company is liable for negligent retention. Platform negligence in hiring practices creates corporate liability.
Negligent supervision and training claims address company’s failures to properly supervise drivers and train them on appropriate conduct. Rideshare companies must establish clear policies prohibiting sexual harassment and assault. They must train drivers on these policies and monitor driver conduct. Failure to do so creates liability.
Failure to implement safety measures represents another liability theory. Rideshare companies can implement features that enhance passenger safety—panic buttons, real-time ride tracking, driver verification systems, and in-vehicle cameras. When companies fail to implement available safety measures, they breach their duty of care to passengers.
Failure to respond to complaints and reports creates liability when a company receives complaints about a driver’s misconduct and fails to investigate or remove the driver. If a passenger reports sexual harassment and the company ignores the report, the company is liable for negligent failure to respond.
Platform Negligence Beyond the Driver
Rideshare companies bear responsibility for systemic failures, not just individual driver misconduct. This distinction is critical because it means passengers can hold major corporations accountable for creating unsafe environments.
Inadequate vetting processes allow drivers with criminal histories to access the platform. If a driver has prior sexual assault convictions or restraining orders, thorough background checks would identify this history. When companies fail to conduct adequate checks, they knowingly allow dangerous individuals to interact with passengers. Negligent hiring and retention liability holds platforms accountable for inadequate screening.
Insufficient safety features leave passengers vulnerable. Modern technology enables real-time ride tracking, emergency buttons, and driver verification systems on Uber and Lyft. When companies fail to implement these features despite knowing they would enhance safety, they breach their duty to passengers.
Delayed response to complaints allows dangerous drivers to continue operating. When a passenger reports sexual misconduct, and the company takes weeks or months to investigate, other passengers may experience similar incidents. Prompt investigation and driver removal protect future passengers. Victims of platform negligence can recover damages for company failures.
Your Legal Rights as a Rideshare Passenger
California law provides strong protections for rideshare passengers who experience sexual harassment or assault. Understanding your rights empowers you to pursue justice.
You have the right to pursue civil claims against both the driver and the rideshare company. Civil claims seek financial compensation for your damages. These claims are separate from criminal prosecution—you can pursue a civil claim even if criminal charges were never filed or if a criminal case resulted in acquittal.
California AB 1619 extended the statute of limitations for sexual assault claims. You have 10 years from the date of the assault to file a civil claim. Alternatively, you have 3 years from the date you discovered the injury to file a claim. This extended timeline recognizes that many survivors delay coming forward due to trauma and shame. Sexual assault survivors in California benefit from these extended filing deadlines.
You can file claims even if you did not report to police immediately. Many survivors delay reporting due to shock, fear, or trauma. Delayed reporting does not prevent you from pursuing a civil claim. Your attorney can still build a strong case based on evidence and testimony.
You may request to proceed under a pseudonym or have certain information sealed from public records. Courts consider requests to protect your privacy, though approval is not guaranteed and depends on specific circumstances. Your attorney can discuss available privacy protections for your case.
You are entitled to recover multiple forms of damages. Compensatory damages cover medical expenses, therapy costs, and lost wages. Pain and suffering damages compensate for emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Punitive damages punish egregious conduct and deter similar violations by others. Attorney’s fees and costs may be recoverable in certain circumstances. Sexual assault compensation includes all recoverable damages.
How Dordick Law Corporation Handles Rideshare Sexual Harassment Cases
Dordick Law Corporation brings decades of experience representing sexual abuse survivors. Our approach combines thorough investigation, aggressive advocacy, and compassionate representation. We have successfully represented rideshare assault survivors and secured compensation for their damages.
We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no expenses unless we recover compensation for you. If we win your case through settlement or judgment, we receive a percentage of your recovery as our fee. This arrangement ensures that financial constraints do not prevent survivors from accessing quality legal representation.
Your initial consultation is free and confidential. We meet with you to understand what happened, review relevant documents, and assess your legal claims. We explain your rights, potential remedies, and realistic outcomes. We listen without judgment and create a safe space for you to share your experience.
We conduct thorough investigations into rideshare incidents. We obtain platform records including driver information, trip details, and complaint history. We review the driver’s background check and hiring file. We investigate the company’s safety protocols and prior complaints about the driver. We interview witnesses and gather evidence supporting your claim.
We retain expert witnesses when necessary. Medical experts document your injuries and treatment needs. Psychological experts evaluate trauma and emotional distress. Industry experts testify about rideshare safety standards and company negligence. These experts strengthen your case and support fair compensation.
We represent you through settlement negotiation or trial. Most cases settle, but we prepare every case for trial. We present your claim to the rideshare company and their insurance carrier, demand appropriate compensation, and negotiate on your behalf. If settlement fails, we litigate your case through trial and appeal.
Why Choose Dordick Law Corporation for Your Rideshare Case
Dordick Law Corporation has spent nearly 40 years representing personal injury survivors, including sexual abuse cases, throughout Southern California. Our lead attorney, Gary A. Dordick, has dedicated his career to holding perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable. We bring this experience and commitment to every rideshare case we handle.
We understand the trauma that sexual assault inflicts. We approach each case with compassion, confidentiality, and unwavering commitment to justice. We recognize that discussing abuse requires courage, and we create a safe environment for that conversation.
We have successfully represented rideshare sexual assault survivors and secured compensation for their damages. Our track record demonstrates our ability to build strong cases, negotiate effectively, and litigate when necessary. We pursue fair compensation for medical care, therapy, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our case results speak to our commitment to justice.
We prioritize your well-being throughout the legal process. We handle all aspects of your case—investigation, negotiation, litigation—allowing you to focus on healing and recovery. Your family’s well-being and justice remain our priorities.
Steps to Take If You’ve Been Sexually Harassed or Assaulted in a Rideshare
If you experience sexual harassment or assault during a rideshare trip, taking immediate action protects your health and preserves evidence for your legal claim.
Ensure your immediate safety. If you feel threatened, ask the driver to stop the vehicle in a safe location. Exit the vehicle and move to a safe place. Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
Seek medical attention. Visit an emergency room or urgent care facility even if you do not have visible injuries. Medical professionals can document injuries, provide treatment, and collect evidence. Medical records create an important record of your injuries and treatment needs.
Report to the rideshare platform immediately. Open the Uber or Lyft app and report the incident through the platform’s safety reporting feature. Provide detailed information about what happened, the driver’s name and ID, and the date and time of the incident. Platform reports create an official record and may trigger an investigation.
File a police report with local law enforcement. Contact your local police department and file a report about the sexual assault. Provide detailed information about the incident, the driver, and the vehicle. A police report creates an official record and may lead to criminal investigation.
Document all details of the incident. Write down everything you remember about what happened, including the date, time, location, driver name and ID, vehicle information, what was said and done, and any witnesses. Include information about your injuries and emotional reactions. This documentation supports your legal claim.
Preserve evidence. Keep screenshots of the rideshare app showing the trip details, driver information, and any messages. Preserve text messages, emails, or other communications related to the incident. Keep medical records and receipts for medical treatment. Keep records of therapy or counseling.
Contact an attorney before speaking with insurance companies. Do not speak with the rideshare company’s insurance carrier without legal representation. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim or obtain statements that harm your case. An attorney protects your rights and ensures you receive fair compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What damages can I recover in a rideshare sexual assault case?
You can recover compensatory damages, including medical expenses, therapy costs, and lost wages. You can also recover pain and suffering damages for emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and trauma. In cases involving egregious conduct, you may recover punitive damages designed to punish the defendant and deter similar violations. Attorney’s fees and costs may be recoverable in certain circumstances.
How long do I have to file a claim?
California AB 1619 provides 10 years from the date of assault to file a civil claim. Alternatively, you have 3 years from the date you discovered the injury to file a claim. Consult an attorney immediately to preserve your rights and ensure you meet all deadlines.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly, or only the driver?
You can pursue claims against both the driver and the rideshare company. The driver is liable for the sexual misconduct. The rideshare company is liable for negligent hiring, retention, supervision, and failure to implement safety measures. Pursuing claims against both defendants maximizes your recovery.
Will my case go to trial or settle?
Most rideshare sexual assault cases settle through negotiation. However, we prepare every case for trial. Your attorney will advise on the best strategy based on evidence, circumstances, and the defendant’s position. If settlement negotiations fail, we litigate your case through trial.
What if I didn’t report to police immediately?
Delayed reporting does not prevent you from pursuing a civil claim. Many survivors delay reporting due to shock, fear, trauma, or shame. Civil claims use a lower burden of proof than criminal cases. We can build a strong case based on evidence and testimony even without immediate police reporting.
Do I have to pay anything upfront?
No. We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, no hourly fees, and no expenses unless we recover compensation for you. If we win your case, we receive a percentage of your recovery as our fee. This arrangement ensures financial constraints do not prevent you from accessing legal representation.
Contact Dordick Law Corporation for Your Free Consultation
If you experienced sexual harassment or assault in a rideshare, you deserve justice and compensation. Dordick Law Corporation provides legal representation to rideshare assault survivors throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Riverside, and San Diego.
Our attorneys investigate thoroughly, identify all liable parties, and pursue fair compensation on your behalf. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. Call (310) 551-0949 or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation. Our attorneys are ready to help you heal and hold rideshare companies accountable.
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