What to Do If You’ve Been Sexually Assaulted by a Rideshare Driver
If you have experienced sexual assault in an Uber or Lyft, you’re not alone. Our lawyers will help you decide what to do if you’ve been sexually assaulted by a rideshare driver, including how to take legal action against the perpetrator and the company.
Our team seeks compensation on behalf of survivors, protecting their privacy and supporting their healing journey. Contact us for a free, confidential consultation regarding your legal rights.
Steps to Take If You’ve Been Sexually Assaulted by an Uber or Lyft Driver
When a rideshare driver sexually assaults you, it can be disorienting and overwhelming. Understanding which actions to take can help you act quickly. This not only protects you, but also ensures you can seek justice through a criminal or civil claim.
If possible, do not shower, change clothes, or delete text messages after the assault. This can help preserve evidence in case you would like to report.
Report the Incident to Local Law Enforcement
Many victims are afraid to come forward with an assault allegation, worried that they will not be believed. However, law enforcement agencies nationwide have specialized units that follow the best practices recommended by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. These standards prioritize survivor well-being while gathering strong evidence.
Get to a safe space, then call 911 and request a police officer. You can also contact the local department’s non-emergency line and explain that you recently experienced sexual violence.
Hospital staff can explain your reporting options and, with your permission, help you contact law enforcement while you receive medical attention. This enables you to begin the investigation immediately while still receiving the medical support you need.
The responding officer will ask you questions about where the abuse occurred, who was involved, and what happened. They may request information such as the ride request, the rideshare driver’s name, and the vehicle make and model. After the initial interview, the detectives will determine whether there is probable cause to pursue the case, then follow up with you to obtain additional information.
Federal law gives sexual assault survivors certain rights in federal criminal cases. This includes the right to updates about their case and protection from the perpetrator (18 U.S.C. § 3771). In some states, crime victims are entitled to have a family member or support person present during questioning.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
A sexual assault forensic exam, also called a rape kit, collects DNA evidence and other material that can be used in a criminal investigation. This also documents the assault on your medical records, strengthening your civil claim.
These exams are performed by specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs), who use trauma-informed medical procedures meant to reduce your stress. At this time, you may receive prophylactics and other treatments.
You can have this examination even if you do not want to report, and in many states, the results are stored anonymously. You may also refuse the exam.
Once you have visited the hospital for an exam, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 for information about local resources and support groups. This service is free and available 24/7. You can also use the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network’s online chat or text HOPE to 64673.
Consult a Rideshare Sexual Assault Lawyer
Our firm handles civil sexual assault claims. These are separate processes from criminal cases and can be pursued even if you do not report to the police.
The goal of a civil claim is to secure compensation for the victim rather than to punish the perpetrator. For example, many sexual assault victims have to take time off work to recover, so we can seek damages for your lost wages and any medical expenses you incurred.
When you contact us for a free consultation, we will assess your case and discuss your options. We’ll explain if there are any class action lawsuits you can join and what types of compensation you could receive if your claim is successful. Additionally, we will handle all third-party communications so you and your family can focus on healing.
We will identify all liable parties and negotiate with them for a fair settlement. In many cases, we focus on the company rather than the individual perpetrator, as rideshare companies have insurance policies. Our lawyers will gather evidence to show the company failed to protect you from unwanted touching or serious sexual assault. As an example, if the driver had a criminal record and the company failed to conduct a background check, the company would be liable for negligent hiring.
FAQs
How common is sexual assault involving Lyft and Uber drivers?
Rideshare safety statistics reveal that Uber and Lyft have significantly underreported sexual assault cases. In 2025, the New York Times reported that Uber logged 400,181 incidents of a sexual nature in six years, which is far higher than their most recent public statement of 2,717 sexual assault incidents in a two-year period.
Lyft received 1,038 sexual assault reports in 2022. However, this may be far lower than the true number of sexual assaults committed during rides.
Are there any Uber sexual assault lawsuits in federal court?
Thousands of Uber sexual assault cases have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) case being administered by the Northern District of California (Case MDL No. 3084).
An MDL is a different legal process from a class action lawsuit. Rather than consolidating all cases into a single large lawsuit, multidistrict litigation centralizes pretrial proceedings, such as discovery, in one federal court. Each legal team can then use the findings in their separate cases.
Once the consolidated pretrial proceedings are complete, the civil lawsuits are returned to their respective jurisdictions and proceed as individual claims (28 U.S.C. § 1407).
What types of sexual violence can be grounds for legal action?
Victims can file Lyft or Uber sexual assault lawsuits for many forms of sexual misconduct. This can include:
- Unwanted sexual touching, like kisses or fondling
- Unwanted sexual contact
- Unwanted exposure to sexual acts like masturbation
- Sexual harassment
- Sexual abuse, assault, or rape
What types of damages can victims recover in rideshare sexual assault cases?
Both economic and non-economic damages may be incorporated into sexual assault claims. These can include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Therapy
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of normal life
Not every sexual assault results in physical injuries, which can change how the lawsuit is classified and whether a settlement is taxable (26 U.S. Code § 104). An experienced lawyer can use strong evidence, like forensic exam results, to protect you from an undue tax burden.
How long do survivors have to take legal action?
The statute of limitations on sexual assault depends on jurisdiction. It can also depend on the person’s age and the type of assault that occurred. Many states have extended the statute of limitations for child survivors or eliminated deadlines for cases involving felony sexual assault.
Our attorneys are familiar with the various filing deadlines and remain alert to any legislative changes that could enable survivors to pursue legal action. When you contact us for a confidential consultation, we will determine what laws apply and ensure that your legal right to file is protected.
Book a Free Consultation to Explore Your Legal Options
Being sexually assaulted by an Uber or Lyft driver can lead to significant emotional trauma and financial losses, but we’re here to help.
Injury Lawyer Team provides trauma-informed legal representation to rideshare sexual abuse victims, ensuring that their legal rights are protected. We can help you explore your legal options, manage third-party communications, and build a case through a meticulous investigation.
Our sexual assault lawyers understand that these claims are deeply personal and painful. We will protect your privacy and connect you with mental health resources to support your healing journey.
We handle claims on a contingency fee basis: no legal fees unless we win. Call us at 866-757-6452 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.