You trusted the rideshare app to get you home safely. But instead, something awful happened.
Sexual assault in rideshares is far more common than most people realize. Between 2021 and 2022, Uber received approximately 2717 reports of sexual assault or misconduct. Lyft reported over 2,651 serious sexual assaults between 2020 and 2022.
These aren’t just numbers. These are real people who experienced a deeply traumatic event while using a service that promised to keep them safe.
If this happened to you, you’re not alone. What happened was terrible, and you must not ignore or accept it.
A rideshare sexual assault lawyer can guide you through the complex legal process.
Here’s everything you need to know about pursuing legal action.
The Reality Behind Rideshare Safety Claims
Rideshare companies advertise themselves as safer than traditional transportation. Their apps have safety features. They run background checks. They even release safety reports.
But the reality tells a different story.
The Numbers They Don’t Advertise
Court documents show that Uber’s own internal reports count way more assaults than what they share in their public safety updates. While Uber has said publicly that assault rates are going down, its private data tells a different story.
Similarly, Lyft released only one safety report in 2021 and hasn’t released any new numbers since, even though incidents keep happening.
Background Checks Have Gaps
A December 2025 investigation found that in 22 states, drivers with histories of certain crimes could still work for Uber as long as their convictions are over seven years old. These screening processes change from state to state and don’t always catch serious criminal records.
Safety Features Have Limitations
In-app emergency buttons and location sharing can help, but they can’t stop assaults from happening. By the time help gets there, it’s often too late. And these features only work if survivors can use them in the moment. For instance, an unconscious person can’t really share their location.
The Companies Knew
Both Uber and Lyft have recorded thousands of sexual assaults through their own reporting systems. Even with this information, the companies still haven’t done enough to protect riders.
Why You Need a Rideshare Sexual Assault Lawyer
Pursuing legal action after a sexual assault calls for someone with the right experience and a lot of compassion. A rideshare sexual assault lawyer knows how complicated these cases can be and understands the trauma survivors go through.
Corporate Liability Is Complex
Rideshare sexual assault cases come with their own set of challenges, like:
- Figuring out if the company is responsible, especially since drivers are often called independent contractors.
- Multiple insurance policies and coverage disputes.
- Making sure important electronic evidence isn’t lost.
- Overlapping state and federal laws.
- Privacy concerns that require careful handling.
Companies Have Large Legal Teams
Uber and Lyft have large legal departments focused on fighting liability claims. They’ve got the resources, strategies, and experience to protect themselves. That’s why you need someone just as skilled on your side.
Sensitive Representation Is Essential
Survivors of sexual assault need lawyers who truly understand trauma. Memories might be fragmented, and talking about what happened can be retraumatizing. Knowledgeable attorneys know how to handle these challenges with care.
Digital Records Require Immediate Action
Trip details, app logs, and GPS data can get erased or lost pretty quickly. Sending a legal notice right away helps make sure this important evidence is saved before it’s gone.
Understanding Legal Claims Against Rideshare Companies
Survivors might have claims against more than one party. Knowing your options can help you make informed decisions.
Claims Based on Company Negligence
Rideshare companies are supposed to keep passengers safe. That means they have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to protect you from harm they should have seen coming.
Negligence claims might include things like:
- Not doing enough background checks on drivers
- Failing to remove drivers who already have complaints
- Not having strong enough safety protocols
- Giving a false sense of security with their marketing
- Taking too long to respond when someone reports an incident
Claims Against Individual Drivers
The driver is directly responsible for the assault. This can include unwanted touching or any other sexual acts. Drivers can be held accountable through both criminal charges and civil lawsuits for damages.
What Legal Action Looks Like
Initial Consultation
Most rideshare sexual assault lawyers offer confidential consultations where you can:
- Talk about what happened in a private, safe space
- Find out what legal options you have
- Learn about the process without any pressure
- Ask questions and decide if you want to move forward
The Law Offices of John C. Ye handles consultations with sensitivity. We understand that each survivor moves through this process at their own pace. You decide how much you want to share and when you’re ready to talk about it.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Your lawyer will take care of the legal investigation, which might include:
- Getting trip data and records from the app
- Requesting police reports if one was filed
- Collecting any medical or counseling records
- Talking to any witnesses
- Looking into the driver’s history and background
Filing the Legal Claim
Your lawyer will prepare and file all the legal paperwork that explains your case. This process usually includes:
- Figuring out who should be held responsible
- Laying out the legal reasons for your claims
- Listing all the ways you’ve been harmed
- Making sure everything follows the right legal steps
The Discovery Process
Both sides share information and evidence with each other. Your lawyer will handle most of the communication with the other side. If you need to give a deposition, your attorney will prepare you and make sure you’re protected during the process.
Settlement Negotiations
Your lawyer will let you know about any settlement offers and give you advice, but you get to decide whether to accept any offer.
Trial if Necessary
If negotiations don’t work, your lawyer can take your case to court. You always have the right to see your claim through all the way.
Over 3,700 Survivors Have Pursued Legal Action
As of January 2026, more than 3708 people have filed lawsuits against Uber for sexual assault. Hundreds more have filed claims against Lyft. These numbers continue growing as survivors come forward.
The first Uber sexual assault trial is scheduled to begin on 13 January 2026. These cases are setting important precedents that will shape how rideshare companies handle safety in the future.
Understanding Your Legal Rights Starts Here
Sexual assault during a rideshare trip is a violation of your trust and your rights. When companies don’t keep passengers safe, survivors deserve to see them held accountable.
The Law Offices of John C. Ye handles these cases with the seriousness they require. We understand trauma. We know rideshare law. And we’re committed to supporting survivors through this process.
Your consultation is confidential and free. We’ll listen, answer questions, and explain your options.
If this happens to you or a loved one, reach out to the Law Offices of John C. Ye. You have the right to know your options and protect yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a claim after a rideshare sexual assault?
In California, you usually have two years from the date of the assault to file a civil claim. There are some exceptions, though, depending on your situation. Even if you’re not ready to move forward right away, talking to a lawyer sooner rather than later can help protect your rights.
Will I have to testify about what happened?
Not always. A lot of cases are settled before they ever reach trial, so you might not have to testify at all. If your case does end up in court, your lawyer will make sure you’re prepared and can ask for extra protections to help make things a little easier.
Can I remain anonymous during a lawsuit?
Yes, your lawyer can ask the court to identify you by your initials or a pseudonym in legal documents. Courts often approve this in sexual assault cases to help protect your privacy. If you’re worried about confidentiality, let your attorney know; they’ll talk through your options.
What if I didn’t report the assault to the police?
You can still take civil legal action even if you never filed a police report. Civil cases have different rules and requirements from criminal cases. Many survivors choose to move forward with a civil claim without ever involving the police.
Will the rideshare company know who I am?
If you decide to take legal action, the company will find out your identity because they have the right to know who’s filing a claim. Still, your lawyer manages what information is shared and when, to help protect your privacy as much as possible.
What kind of compensation might be available?
Under California law, you might be able to recover things like medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages, and money for emotional distress and suffering. The exact amount depends on your personal situation and what you’ve been through.
What if I’m not emotionally ready to pursue legal action?
Healing takes time, and there’s no set timeline. Meeting with a lawyer doesn’t mean you have to move forward right away; it just helps you learn about your options and any deadlines.
