California has just given survivors more options. Starting January 1, 2026, Assembly Bill 250 creates a two-year window for adult sexual assault survivors to file civil lawsuits, even if the statute of limitations already passed.
This window stays open until December 31, 2027.
If you were assaulted in a rideshare and thought you missed your chance to take legal action, that might not be true anymore.
But that’s only one of several rights you have. Sexual assault survivors’ legal rights in California are stronger than in most other states. Knowing these rights helps you make informed decisions about your path forward.
The Law Offices of John C. Ye help survivors navigate these options. We understand the laws and approach each case with the sensitivity it requires.
Here’s what you need to know about your rights.
Civil vs Criminal: Two Completely Different Paths
People often confuse civil and criminal cases. They’re not the same thing at all.
Criminal Cases
In a criminal case, the government goes after the person who assaulted you. A district attorney runs the case, not you. If the person is found guilty, they could go to jail, pay fines, and get a criminal record. You don’t get to decide if charges are filed.
Prosecutors make that call. They look at how strong the evidence is and decide what cases to take. Sometimes, they say no even if you want them to move forward. You’re a witness, not the plaintiff.
Civil Cases
In a civil case, you’re the one suing the person who hurt you. You might also sue the rideshare company. You’re in charge of the case. Your lawyer is focused on your interests, not the government’s.
Instead of jail time, you seek compensation for medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Civil cases are different because you only have to show that your side is more likely true than not, just over 50%. That’s a lower bar than in criminal court.
Why This Matters
You can pursue civil action even if:
- No criminal charges were ever filed.
- The criminal case was dropped.
- The person was found not guilty in criminal court.
- You never told the police.
Sexual assault civil vs criminal cases proceed independently. One doesn’t depend on the other.
Options After Sexual Assault: What You Can Actually Do
Let’s get specific about options after sexual assault in California.
Immediate Safety Measures
Get to a safe location. If you’re hurt, get medical care right away. Consider a medical forensic exam if you’re comfortable. It preserves evidence.
Contact support services:
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 (24/7)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- RAINN Online Chat: Available at rainn.org
Protection Orders
California offers several types of protection orders for sexual assault victims.
- A Civil Harassment Restraining Order applies when the person who assaulted you isn’t a domestic partner. This usually applies in rideshare cases. With this order, the court can make them stay away from you, stop contacting you, and avoid your home, work, and school.
- An Emergency Protective Order can be requested by law enforcement at any time, day or night. It lasts for 5 to 7 days and gives you time to ask for longer-term protection.
- A restraining order after a hearing can give you up to five years of protection after a court hearing.
You don’t have to file criminal charges to get a restraining order. The process is free, so you won’t pay any court fees.
Filing Complaints
Filing a sexual assault complaint can happen in multiple ways:
- Police report to local law enforcement. You can do this immediately or years later, though sooner helps preserve evidence.
- Report to the rideshare company through their app. This creates a record and may prevent the driver from assaulting others.
- Civil lawsuit against the driver and potentially the company.
California’s Expanded Time Limits
For Adult Survivors
California has expanded time limits for adult survivors. Thanks to AB 250, you can file civil claims through December 31, 2027, even if your case would normally be too old under the usual rules.
Here’s how the standard statute of limitations works for adults:
- If the assault happened after January 1, 2019, you have 10 years from the date of the assault, or 3 years from when you discovered the injury—whichever is later.
- If the assault happened before January 1, 2019, you usually have 2 years from the date of the assault.
There’s also AB 2777, which gives another chance to file claims for assaults that happened between January 1, 2009, and January 1, 2019. This window is open through December 31, 2026.
For Childhood Sexual Assault
According to California Code of Civil Procedure § 340.1, if you were under 18 when the assault happened:
- For assaults on or after January 1, 2024, there’s no time limit for filing a claim.
- For assaults before January 1, 2024, you can file until you turn 40, or within five years of discovering a related psychological injury.
Civil Lawsuit Rights for Sexual Assault Victims
Civil lawsuit rights for sexual assault victims in California include several key protections.
1. You Can File Anonymously
You don’t have to use your real name in court documents. California law lets you use your initials or a pseudonym, so your identity stays private. Courts almost always approve these requests in sexual assault cases.
2. You Can Sue Multiple Parties
You can bring a lawsuit against the driver who assaulted you, and you might also be able to sue the rideshare company.
This is possible if the company:
- Didn’t do proper background checks
- Ignored earlier complaints about the driver
- Claimed to offer safety features they didn’t actually provide
- Tried to cover up past reports of assault
3. You’re Entitled to Compensation
California law lets you pursue compensation for:
- Economic losses like medical bills, therapy, lost pay, future care, or lower earning potential
- Non-economic losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, or loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages if there was a cover-up. Under California Civil Code §3294, these can even triple your recovery.
There’s no cap on damages in most sexual assault cases.
4. Your Privacy Gets Protected
The defence can’t dig through your entire personal history. Your sexual history is usually off-limits, and medical records need a court order before they can be shared.
California law protects survivors from unfair or invasive discovery tactics.
How to Exercise Your Rights
Taking action starts with knowing your options.
You can seek a protection order, file a civil lawsuit, or make a police report—each process is designed to support your safety and recovery.
If you’re unsure where to start, call us for a free consultation. We’ll answer all your questions, explain your legal options, and tell you what you should do next. Learning about your rights should cost nothing.
What If You Have Already Settled with the Rideshare Company?
Some survivors take quick settlements from Uber or Lyft before they fully understand their rights. These deals often include broad agreements that give up your ability to make future claims.
However, it may still be possible to challenge a settlement if:
- You didn’t really understand what you were signing
- You didn’t have a lawyer to help you
- The amount you received was extremely low
- The company misled you or acted dishonestly
Our attorney can look over your settlement and let you know if there’s a way to challenge it.
Your Rights Don’t Expire When You Think They Do
California keeps expanding legal rights for sexual assault survivors with new laws.
AB 250 opened up new opportunities that didn’t exist before, and future changes might give you even more options. Don’t assume you’ve missed your chance—talk to an attorney who knows the latest updates.
At the Law Offices of John C. Ye, we stay on top of California’s sexual assault laws and know how they may affect your case. We’ve helped many survivors find rights they didn’t realize they had.
Your consultation is always free and confidential.
If you or someone you care about needs help, reach out to the Law Offices of John C. Ye.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a restraining order and a civil lawsuit?
A restraining order keeps you safe. It stops future contact and harassment. A civil lawsuit is about getting compensation for what already happened. You can go after both at the same time, since they each serve a different purpose.
Do I have to report to the police before filing a civil lawsuit?
No, you don’t. Civil cases and criminal cases are completely separate. Many survivors choose to file civil lawsuits without ever making a police report. The choice is yours.
Can I still file a lawsuit if I signed something with Uber or Lyft?
Maybe. Sometimes, settlement agreements can be challenged, especially if you didn’t have a lawyer or didn’t fully understand what you were signing. We can review your paperwork and let you know what options you have.
What if the assault happened years ago?
California has special windows that might let you file a case even if a lot of time has passed. AB 250 is open until December 31, 2027, and AB 2777 runs through December 31, 2026. Which window applies depends on when the assault happened.
Will my name be public if I file a lawsuit?
No, it doesn’t have to be. In California, sexual assault survivors can use initials or a pseudonym instead of their real name in court documents. Your attorney will request this for you, and courts almost always approve it.
How long does a restraining order last?
Temporary restraining orders usually last up to 21 days. After a court hearing, a restraining order can last as long as five years. You can also renew it before it expires.
