Most people don’t realize this, but Uber and Lyft handle sexual assault claims very differently. And those differences can have a big impact on your case.
Uber has been dragged into court by over 3,078 survivors filing an Uber sexual assault lawsuit in federal courts. The first trial just started in January 2026. A settlement fund has already been approved, and the legal battles are getting intense.
Lyft, on the other hand, has been pretty quiet. There are fewer lawsuits and less media coverage. But that doesn’t mean they’re any safer or more supportive of survivors.
Understanding how each company operates helps you know what to expect when pursuing a claim. The Law Offices of John C. Ye handles cases against both companies and understands the unique challenges of each.
Here’s what you need to know.
Uber’s Response: Fight in Court, Settle Behind Closed Doors
Uber’s legal strategy has been aggressive from day one.
Mandatory Arbitration Clauses
For years, Uber made survivors use private arbitration instead of going to court. Their user agreement forced people to settle disputes with Uber behind closed doors.
No jury. No public trial. No real transparency.
In 2018, after public backlash, Uber changed this rule. Now, sexual assault and harassment cases can go to court. But other injury claims can still get pushed to arbitration.
Delaying Tactics in Discovery
Lawyers say Uber delays sharing important documents, like driver background checks and safety records. They accuse the company of stalling and making the process harder for survivors.
Judge Charles Breyer ordered Uber to hand over pre-employment screening documents for drivers accused of assault. Uber argued this was burdensome. The court didn’t buy it.
The PR Machine
Uber also tries to shape the story. They release polished safety reports with official numbers.
Uber logged 400,181 such reports in five years. But previously released safety reports disclosed 12,522 serious sexual assaults for the same period.
The problem was way worse than they let on.
Settlement Fund Signals Change
In December 2025, the court approved a settlement fund for survivors. A retired judge now helps manage these negotiations.
This is progress. But it came only after years of litigation pressure.
Lyft’s Response: Stay Quiet, Avoid Accountability
Lyft has taken a different approach—fly under the radar.
One Safety Report, Then Silence
Lyft released a single safety report in 2021. It covered data from 2020 to 2022. After that, nothing. No new reports. No updates. Just silence.
Compare that to Uber, which has released multiple safety reports under intense public scrutiny.
Fewer Lawsuits Doesn’t Mean Safer
Lyft faces fewer lawsuits than Uber. Some people think this means Lyft is safer, but that’s not always true.
Lyft has a smaller share of the market. Fewer rides mean fewer reported assaults. But the problem could be just as bad. We can’t know for sure because Lyft won’t share new data.
The Shareholder Settlement That Ignored Victims
In 2022, Lyft settled a class action for $25 million. Shareholders said that the company hid safety problems, and they lost money when word got out. Lyft paid the investors.
Women+ Connect
In October 2023, Lyft launched a feature that lets riders request female or non-binary drivers. It sounds helpful at first.
But critics say it puts all the responsibility on passengers instead of fixing deeper safety issues. It’s just a quick fix, not a real solution.
MDL Motion Filed
Lawyers recently filed a motion to group Lyft cases together into a multidistrict litigation, like what’s happening with Uber harassment lawsuit proceedings. If this goes through, Lyft might finally face the same level of scrutiny.
What Corporate Documents Reveal
Court filings in the Uber assault lawsuit signed cases have pulled back the curtain on what was really happening inside the company.
Uber Knew for Years
Discovery in the federal MDL uncovered that Uber got hundreds of thousands of assault reports through its own systems.
Company leaders discussed the problem. Still, meaningful changes were slow. Uber focused more on growth than on passenger safety.
“Rider Incident” Classifications
Uber often used vague terms like “rider incident” in their internal reports. This made it hard to track just how many assaults happened.
That choice matters. It shows Uber had the data but worded things to dodge responsibility.
Algorithm Over Safety
Both Uber and Lyft rely on algorithms to match riders and drivers. These systems care most about speed and efficiency. Safety doesn’t get as much attention.
The Settlement Landscape for Each Company
Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit Settlement negotiations are happening now through the court-approved process. The exact numbers haven’t come out yet. Still, according to law firms handling these cases, settlements can range from $50,000 to more than $1 million, depending on the details of each case. The average is around $400,000.
Settlement Factors
What determines where your case falls in the range?
Several things matter. The seriousness of the assault and how much proof you have are key. If the driver had past complaints, your case is stronger. It also matters if the company ignored warnings about your driver. Finally, the long-term effects on your health and ability to work can make a big difference.
California Law Gives You Leverage
Several California statutes and regulations work in the survivors’ favor.
CPUC Safety Requirements
In June 2022, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) settled with Uber for $9 million. That deal led to new rules. Now, drivers must complete training on preventing assault, thanks to programs developed by RAINN. Companies also have to follow clear investigation steps and use standardized terms in reports.
Discovery Rights
California Code of Civil Procedure §2017.010 allows broad discovery in civil cases. You can ask for emails, driver records, complaints, and company safety policies. If the company refuses, courts can force them to hand it over.
No Damage Caps
Unlike in medical malpractice cases, there’s no limit to what you can recover from a rideshare company for economic or non-economic damages. Juries can award compensation for all losses.
Why You Need an Attorney Who Knows Both Companies
The Uber sexual assault lawsuit and Lyft cases require different legal strategies. One approach doesn’t fit both.
- Company-Specific Discovery: Each company keeps records differently. Your attorney needs to know what to expect and how to challenge delays for each company.
- Jurisdiction Matters: Some cases belong in federal court through the MDL. Others are better suited for California state courts. Making the wrong choice can delay your case or limit what you recover.
- Settlement Leverage: Both companies require different negotiation approaches. Uber responds to experienced trial lawyers. Lyft may underestimate cases due to less litigation experience.
At The Law Offices of John C. Ye, we understand how each company operates and adjust strategy accordingly.
Time Is Running Out to File
You have two years from the date of the assault to file a civil claim in California. If you miss this deadline, you lose the right to file your case.
Even if you’re not ready to move forward right away, talking to an attorney early helps you understand your options and gives you time for investigation and building a strong case.
Starting late can put you at a disadvantage.
If this happens to you or a loved one, reach out to the Law Offices of John C. Ye.
We offer free consultations for Uber and Lyft sexual assault victims. We’ll review what happened, explain your options, and answer your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I file my claim against Uber in federal or state court?
It depends on your situation. If your case qualifies, a federal MDL can be faster and more efficient. For some claims, the California state court might offer better options. An attorney will look at where you live, where the assault happened, and the details of your case to decide what’s best.
Does it matter which rideshare company was involved?
Yes, it does. Uber and Lyft have different policies, and they also respond differently to lawsuits. Your attorney will adjust the strategy based on the company involved, since some legal arguments work better against one than the other.
Can I sue both the driver and the company?
Yes, you can. Most cases include both the driver and the company as defendants. The driver is responsible for the assault itself, while the company can be held liable for things like poor screening or weak safety protocols. Going after both gives you the best chance to recover compensation.
Do I need an Uber sexual assault lawyer to file a claim?
You’re not required to have a lawyer, but it really helps your chances. Uber has a big legal team defending these cases. An experienced attorney knows how to push back, keep important evidence safe, and figure out what your case is worth.
