Over 3,000 Survivors Have Filed Legal Claims
As of January 2026, more than 3,000 survivors have filed claims against Uber in what’s become one of the largest Uber sexual assault lawsuits in the country. These cases aren’t just about individual incidents—they’re about a company that allegedly knew about dangerous drivers but failed to protect passengers.
If you experienced sexual assault during an Uber ride, you’re not alone. The trials are happening right now, and yes, you can still file a lawsuit.
The Law Offices of John C. Ye stand with survivors. We understand the legal complexities involved and approach each situation with the sensitivity it deserves.
Here’s what you should know about Uber sexual assault cases and your legal options.
The Scope of the Problem
The numbers are hard to believe. Between 2021 and 2022 alone, Uber received 2,717 reports of serious sexual assault from passengers in the United States.
But here’s what makes this even more troubling: those numbers only count people who spoke up.
Many survivors never report what happened. Some people worry no one will believe them. A lot of people just think speaking out won’t make a difference.
What Court Documents Revealed
Legal documents from the Uber sexual assault lawsuit, reviewed by The New York Times, uncovered something troubling.
Uber’s own records showed many more assaults than the company admitted to the public. Uber logged 400,181 such reports in five years. But previously released safety reports disclosed 12,522 serious sexual assaults for the same period.
They knew things were worse than they let on.
Background Checks Weren’t Catching Predators
A December 2025 investigation exposed major flaws in Uber’s screening process. In 22 states, drivers with histories of felonies could still pass background checks if their convictions were more than seven years old.
What Makes These Lawsuits Different
You might wonder if you can really sue Uber for what a driver did. The answer is, these cases aren’t just about one person’s actions. They’re about whether Uber acted responsibly as a company.
Claims of Corporate Negligence
The Uber sexual assault lawsuit alleges that Uber failed to keep passengers safe in several ways:
- They ran background checks that missed dangerous people.
- They ignored complaints about drivers.
- They allegedly let drivers with warning signs stay on the app.
- They marketed Uber as safe, even when they knew assaults were happening.
- They built an app that made it easy for drivers to isolate passengers.
When a company knows there’s a problem and doesn’t fix it, that’s where negligence comes in.
The “Independent Contractor” Defense
Uber often says its drivers aren’t employees. They’re independent contractors. So, according to Uber, the company isn’t responsible for what drivers do.
But an Uber abuse lawyer can push back on that. Uber controls a lot about how drivers work. They set the prices. They track performance. They can shut down a driver’s account right away. With that much control, Uber could still be held responsible.
Current Status of the Litigation
The Uber sexual assault lawsuit is actively moving forward. Here’s where things stand as of January 2026.
Over 3,000 Federal Cases
These cases have been combined into one big group, called multidistrict litigation, or MDL. That means thousands of survivors’ cases are being handled together in the federal court in the Northern District of California. Judge Charles Breyer is overseeing the proceedings.
Bellwether Trials Are Starting
The first federal trial started on January 13, 2026. These early cases are called “bellwether” trials. They show how juries respond to the evidence and arguments. What happens in these trials often affects settlement negotiations for all the other pending cases.
A Settlement Fund Has Been Approved
On December 23, 2025, the court approved a settlement fund. This is a big step. It means settlement talks are likely moving forward, though there aren’t any final numbers yet.
State Court Cases Are Also Proceeding
Hundreds of other cases are happening in California state courts. One case went to trial in October 2025. The jury found Uber was negligent, but didn’t make them pay damages. It was a split decision, so there are still a lot of questions.
More trials are scheduled throughout 2026. Each verdict will shape how future cases proceed.
What an Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit Settlement Might Look Like
Let’s talk about compensation. Every case is unique, but here’s what legal experts are saying based on similar lawsuits.
Settlement Ranges Vary by Case Severity
According to law firms handling these cases, settlements can range from $50,000 to more than $1 million. The average is around $400,000.
These figures are estimates. Every case is different, and compensation is never guaranteed.
What affects your settlement amount?
- How severe the assault was matters a lot.
- The impact on your life is important too. If you have long-term trauma, can’t work, or need ongoing medical care, that all counts.
- The strength of your evidence, like medical records, police reports, or witnesses, also plays a big part.
Types of Compensation Available
Compensation available under California law may include:
- Medical bills, both emergency and ongoing.
- Therapy or counseling for trauma.
- Lost wages if you missed work or can’t earn as much now.
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
- Punitive damages if the conduct was especially bad.
The Law Offices of John C. Ye can calculate all these factors to determine what your case might be worth.
Why You Need Legal Representation
Uber doesn’t settle cases without a fight. They have teams of lawyers and endless resources. They spend years trying to avoid responsibility.
Trying to take that on by yourself isn’t a fair fight.
A Rideshare Sexual Assault Lawyer Knows the Tactics
Big companies like Uber have all kinds of tricks to pay less. They’ll say their background checks were good enough. They’ll argue the driver was off-duty or not using the app. They’ll claim you can’t prove Uber knew about the driver’s past.
An experienced Uber and Lyft assault lawyer knows these tactics and how to counter them.
Evidence Preservation Is Critical
Digital evidence can disappear quickly. Trip records get deleted. App data gets wiped out. Messages fade away. The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove your case.
Attorneys send notices to Uber right away, demanding the company save all important evidence. This helps protect key information before it’s lost.
You Shouldn’t Navigate This Alone
Going through sexual assault is already traumatic. You shouldn’t have to take on a legal battle by yourself, too. An attorney can handle the legal side so you can focus on healing. They deal with the insurance companies. They take care of the paperwork. They negotiate with Uber’s lawyers.
You shouldn’t have to do any of that while processing trauma.
Your Legal Options Right Now
If you experienced sexual assault during an Uber ride, you have options. Understanding them helps you make informed decisions.
Joining the Federal MDL
If your case qualifies, you can join the ongoing multidistrict litigation. Your Uber sexual assault lawyer will figure out if you meet the criteria and handle all the paperwork.
Filing an Individual Lawsuit
Some cases work better as individual lawsuits, especially if you’re in California. Your attorney will help you decide what makes the most sense for you.
Settlement vs. Trial
Most cases settle before reaching trial. But when your attorney is ready to go to court, it gives you more power in negotiations. The final decision to settle or go to trial is always yours.
Acting Before Deadlines Pass
In California, you usually have two years from the date of the assault to file a claim. The sooner you reach out to an attorney, the better.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
The Uber sexual assault lawsuit represents thousands of survivors who are standing up and demanding accountability. Each person who comes forward makes it harder for companies to ignore these problems.
The Law Offices of John C. Ye handles these cases with the sensitivity they require. We understand rideshare liability law, and we’re committed to fighting for survivors’ rights.
If this happens to you or a loved one, reach out to the Law Offices of John C. Ye. Your consultation is free and confidential. We’ll listen to you, answer your questions, and walk you through your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an Uber sexual assault lawyer do?
An Uber sexual assault lawyer helps survivors take legal action against Uber and the drivers who committed assault. They look into what happened, gather evidence, file claims, deal with Uber’s lawyers, and pursue compensation available. They handle the legal stuff so you can focus on healing.
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.
How soon should I contact an Uber sexual assault attorney after an incident?
Digital evidence, like trip records and messages, can disappear fast. In California, you usually have two years to file a claim, but waiting makes it harder to gather proof. Talking to an attorney early helps protect your rights, even if you’re not ready to move forward right away.
Can I sue Uber if an Uber driver sexually assaulted me?
Yes, you might be able to sue both the driver and Uber. Claims against Uber usually say the company was careless when screening drivers, ignored complaints, or didn’t keep riders safe. An attorney will look at the details of your situation and let you know your options.
Is my case against Uber or the individual Uber driver?
Potentially both. The driver is directly responsible for the assault, but Uber can also be held accountable if it didn’t do proper background checks, ignored warning signs, or failed to keep passengers safe.
