September 2025. San Francisco. One of the first rideshare assault lawsuits finally goes to trial. After three weeks, the jury delivers a split verdict.
They decided Uber was negligent. The company didn’t put the right safety measures in place. Still, the jury says Uber’s negligence didn’t cause direct harm to the survivor.
So, in October, Uber was found negligent but not liable.
This shows something important: it’s not enough to prove the company knew about the risks. You also have to connect the dots and prove that their carelessness caused you harm.
The Law Offices of John C. Ye took a close look at this verdict and what it means for the 3,188 cases still waiting. We know what kind of evidence works in court and what doesn’t.
Here’s what makes Uber assault claims and Lyft assault lawsuits strong.
The Evidence That Wins Cases
Your Ride Receipt
Screenshots of your trip details are key. They show the driver’s info, the route, and the exact times. Defense lawyers can’t argue with digital records.
Past Record of The Driver
Did Uber or Lyft get complaints about your driver in the past? Did they flag the driver but let them keep working?
We obtain internal records about your specific driver. Previous complaints can turn your case from “just one bad apple” into “the company ignored clear warnings.” That’s the connection juries look for.
Medical Records
Medical records, like a trip to the ER the night it happened, a forensic exam, follow-up visits, or therapy notes, prove the assault happened and show the lasting impact.
Messages Matter
Did the driver contact you outside the app or send inappropriate messages? Save every screenshot. If you reported it through the app, their response, or lack of one, can make your case stronger.
Witnesses
Maybe someone saw you get in, looking upset. Maybe a friend you called right away, or the person who found you. Their statements back up your story before defense lawyers try to question your credibility.
Defenses You’ll Face (And How We Counter Them)
“The Driver Was an Independent Contractor”
This is their go-to excuse. We don’t let it slide. Uber and Lyft set the rates, monitor drivers, make the rules, and can deactivate drivers on the spot. That’s control, not independence.
California courts are starting to reject this defense in passenger assault in rideshare cases.
“We Had No Way to Know”
They’ll say the background check was clean and there were no complaints.
But discovery tells a different story. Internal records show Uber got assault reports every eight minutes from 2017 to 2022. They knew what was happening.
“You Didn’t Follow Safety Protocols”
They might blame you for not checking the driver’s photo or license plate. But in California, pure comparative negligence means you can still win damages. Your award just gets reduced by your share of the fault.
“The App Wasn’t Active”
If the ride was arranged outside the app, the companies claim they aren’t responsible. But if you met the driver through their platform and believed it was all above board, we can still prove they’re liable.
What That First Trial Taught Us
Draw Direct Lines
The jury couldn’t see a clear link between Uber’s negligence and the assault.
Here’s the lesson: you need to show that connection. If your driver had earlier complaints that Uber ignored, that’s your direct line. If background checks missed a criminal record, use that.
Be Specific
Saying, “Uber’s background check missed my driver’s assault conviction in another state,” is powerful. Just saying, “Uber should do better checks,” isn’t enough.
Company Knowledge Is Everything
The strongest rideshare assault lawsuits involve drivers with a known history, and Uber or Lyft ignored the warnings.
When juries see the company knew and didn’t act, they understand who’s responsible.
Building Your Case Right
We Dig Into Driver History
We ask for everything—ride ratings, complaints, background checks, work history, and even other lawsuits. The companies push back, but we don’t give up.
We Document What the Company Knew
We look for internal emails about safety, assault stats they tracked, messages about certain drivers, and policies they ignored. We even review their marketing activities. If they promised safety, but didn’t deliver, we’ll hold them accountable.
We Calculate Real Damages
We add up medical bills, therapy, psychiatric care, lost wages, and even lost future earnings. Pain and suffering count, too.
If you were assaulted by an Uber driver, your settlement could range from $50,000 to over $1 million, depending on the severity, evidence, and impact on your life.
The Evidence Preservation Timeline
- Within 24 Hours: Get medical care right away. If you can, get a forensic exam. Take screenshots of your trip details. Photograph your injuries. Write down everything you remember.
- Within One Week: Report the incident through the app. Think about filing a police report. Hold on to any physical evidence. We’ll send out preservation notices to protect records.
- Within One Month: Start therapy. Keep a journal of your symptoms. Follow your doctor’s advice. We’ll take care of all communication with the company.
If you wait, important evidence can slip away. Driver records might get erased, surveillance footage could be gone, and old messages may disappear.
What You Need to Know
Most Cases Settle
Trials are expensive for everyone. Companies usually settle strong cases to avoid bad publicity. We push hard in negotiations, but we’re always ready for trial.
The MDL Affects You
More than 3,000 federal cases are grouped. Early bellwether trials help test out legal arguments, and those results shape settlement talks for everyone. We’ll let you know if joining the group is a good move for you.
California Gives You Time
Beginning January 1, 2026, adults who survived sexual assault have a new opportunity to take legal action, even if the usual time limit has run out. Thanks to Assembly Bill 250, there’s a special two-year window to file a civil lawsuit. This window stays open through December 31, 2027.
There’s also Assembly Bill 2777, which lets survivors file claims for assaults that happened between January 1, 2009, and January 1, 2019. That window is open until December 31, 2026.
Act While Evidence Exists
Building a strong rideshare assault case is all about timing. The evidence is available now, but six months from now, it might be gone.
We know which records to request, who to talk to, and how to build a case that makes sense to juries. We’ve studied that September verdict, and we know what it takes to prove the company is at fault.
Your consultation is free and completely confidential.
If you or someone you care about has gone through this, contact the Law Offices of John C. Ye.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue if the driver was never charged criminally?
Yes, you can. Civil and criminal cases are separate. You can file a lawsuit against Uber or Lyft even if there were no criminal charges. Civil cases only need a lower level of proof. You only have to show that your side is more likely true than not, just over 50%.
What if I already accepted payment from the company?
We’ll look at what you signed. Some agreements can be challenged, especially if you didn’t have a lawyer, didn’t understand the terms, or if the amount was far too low.
How do I know if my case is strong enough?
We offer free consultations, during which we review your evidence, the driver’s history, the company’s knowledge, and the damages involved. You’ll get an honest opinion about pursuing legal action.
Will joining the MDL help my case or hurt it?
It depends on your case. Joining the MDL can give you more leverage since you’re part of a bigger group, but handling your case on its own gives you more control. We’ll review your situation and help you determine the best course of action.
