Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have changed how people get around. Most rides are fine. But sometimes things go wrong. In rare but serious cases, passengers have been sexually assaulted during a ride.
What happens when safety breaks down? Can anyone help? Can the company be held responsible? The answer is yes. It isn’t very easy, but the law lets survivors seek justice.
California is paying attention. A new law called the Sexual Assault Against Rideshare Passengers and Drivers Prevention and Accountability Act would make rideshare companies do more to protect riders and be accountable when harm happens. It says rideshare companies have known about sexual assault problems, yet have not made enough reforms.
Let’s walk through the basics: how often sexual assaults occur, what counts as sexual assault in a rideshare, how companies might be responsible, how legal cases work, and what compensation victims may recover.
How Often Do Rideshare Sexual Assaults Happen?
Rideshare sexual assaults are real.
Recent data shows that rideshare companies receive a large number of assault and misconduct reports. Court-related documents suggest that Uber got reports of sexual assault or misconduct in the U.S. about every eight minutes between 2017 and 2022 — more than 400,000 total reports. That number is far larger than the company publicly shared.
Other reports showed that serious sexual assault incidents have occurred thousands of times in Uber and Lyft rides over recent years. These include non-consensual touching, attempts at sexual contact, and other forms of unwanted contact.
Even if the rate is very low compared to total rides, the impact on survivors is serious, and the legal system treats these harms as injuries with consequences.
What Counts as Sexual Assault in a Rideshare?
In legal terms, sexual assault means any non-consensual sexual contact or behavior. That can include:
- Unwanted touching of sexual body parts
- Attempts to touch or force sexual contact
- Forced or coerced sexual acts
These acts are harmful and unwanted. If they occur during a ride you booked through the Uber or Lyft app, they may qualify as sexual assault under civil law. It does not matter whether the police charge someone with a crime. You can still have a legal case for compensation in civil court.
In many reports, victims describe unwanted groping, forced contact, and other serious misconduct that could qualify legally as sexual assault.
Can Uber or Lyft Be Responsible?
Yes, sometimes.
Uber and Lyft are not just phone apps. They make money every time a ride happens. They are in charge of setting safety policies, screening drivers, and managing how rides are matched. If they fail in those duties, the law may allow a claim against the company.
Here’s how companies may be responsible:
- Negligent hiring or screening. Did they check a driver’s background properly?
- Not acting on complaints. Were prior reports ignored?
- Failing to enforce safety tools. Did safety features work as promised?
For example, in more than 500 sexual assault lawsuits in California state courts, plaintiffs are arguing that Uber did not do enough to protect riders even though it knew there was a risk. One case went to trial in 2025, and a jury found Uber negligent in its safety measures, even though it did not award damages in that specific case.
Thousands of similar claims are filed in federal and state courts. Cases are grouped to examine patterns and company conduct.
How Do Rideshare Sexual Assault Cases Work?
If something terrible happens during a ride, what do you actually do?
Here is a clear, step-by-step look:
- Report to law enforcement (if safe).
Calling the police starts an official record. This helps document what happened. - Preserve evidence.
Keep your ride receipt, the driver’s name and photo, text messages, screenshots from the app, and any images or videos. - Seek medical care.
A medical exam can document injuries and is strong evidence in legal claims. - Talk to a lawyer early.
A lawyer can explain your rights, protect deadlines, and prepare your case. - File a civil complaint.
Your lawyer will file a formal claim in court. It outlines how the company failed its duties. - Discovery and negotiation.
Both sides share evidence, and many cases settle before a trial. Some cases may go to trial.
Because so many similar cases exist, especially against Uber, federal courts in California organize them in a large group called a multidistrict litigation (MDL). That means many survivors’ claims are handled together in a coordinated process to make the system fair and efficient.
What Compensation Can Survivors Receive?
If I bring a case, what could I recover?
Civil courts may award several types of compensation for harm caused by assault:
- Medical expenses – bills from treatment and care
- Lost income – if the incident affected work
- Pain and suffering – emotional and physical harm
- Mental health support – therapy or counseling costs
In some situations, the court may award punitive damages if the company acted with reckless disregard for rider safety.
Even when no criminal charges happen, civil law focuses on harm and loss. Survivors can seek compensation for their injuries and the impact on their lives.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
How long do I have to act?
In California, there are time limits for filing civil claims, often about two years from when the harm happened. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to compensation.
That’s why it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Early legal help makes sure evidence is preserved, deadlines are met, and your options are protected.
Real Examples That Show the Stakes
Real stories illustrate why understanding this matters.
In California in 2025, a rideshare driver was arrested and charged with raping an unconscious passenger after the ride was already marked as finished. Police believe there may be other victims who have not yet come forward.
Another California woman filed a civil lawsuit claiming that an Uber driver abandoned her in an unsafe area after she became ill during a ride. Others later assaulted her after being left without her phone. Her lawsuit alleges Uber failed to enforce safety protocols that could have prevented her harm.
These examples show the kinds of situations that can lead to legal claims and why survivors may pursue justice through the courts.
You Have Options. Take the First Step
When a ride you expected to be safe goes wrong, it feels like everything is out of control. But the law gives you options to hold companies accountable and seek compensation for harm done. Rideshare companies have duties to protect you, and when they fail, the courts may provide a path to justice.
If this happens to you or a loved one, reach out to the Law Offices of John C. Ye. You deserve support and guidance. Call us today for a compassionate consultation and learn how the law may help you move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take legal action in California?
Yes. You can file a civil claim if a sexual assault happened during an Uber or Lyft ride.
Do I need a police report to start?
A police report helps, but it is not required. Your evidence from the ride and medical records can also support your claim.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Civil claims usually need to be filed within about two years of the incident, so early legal help is important.
What compensation can I recover?
You may recover medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and mental health care.
Do criminal charges matter for a civil claim?
No. Civil cases focus on harm and losses, even when no criminal charges are filed.
Can companies deny responsibility?
Yes. Companies often argue that drivers acted independently. Lawyers focus on duty and failures in safety measures.
Is sexual assault in rideshares common?
It is rare compared to total rides, but thousands of reports and lawsuits show it is a serious issue.
