The night should offer comfort, not chaos. A simple ride through the Uber app or Lyft platform should get you home safely, not expose you to harm. Yet for far too many, these rides end in trauma, not arrival. Lyft and Uber sexual assault cases are not rare headlines; they are real, devastating experiences that continue to impact passengers across the country.
Imagine getting into a car after a long day, expecting safety and convenience. Instead, you’re met with fear and violation. Survivors of these assaults often carry not only the emotional scars but also face steep medical expenses and legal uncertainty.
That’s why understanding your legal rights matters. This article breaks down how Uber and Lyft sexual assault lawsuit unfolds in states like California, Florida, New York, and Kansas, highlighting jurisdictional differences, survivor protections, and what victims need to know to pursue sexual assault claims and seek justice.
California: Uber’s Safety Failures and Expanded Deadlines
In 2023, a passenger in Irvine filed a sexual assault lawsuit against Uber after her driver pulled over and attacked her while she was unconscious. Though Uber’s app flagged the unscheduled stop, Uber failed to act or check in. This incident became part of Uber sexual assault lawsuits involving over 1,500 victims in California, all accusing the company of ignoring red flags and enabling assault.
California classifies Uber and Lyft as “common carriers,” meaning they must implement adequate safety measures and exercise the highest duty of care (California Civil Code § 2100).
Under California AB 2777, certain survivors of sexual assault, particularly those whose abuse was enabled or concealed by an institution, can file lawsuits until December 31, 2026, even if their original deadline passed. The law applies to incidents occurring on or after January 1, 2009.
These laws empower sexual assault survivors to pursue sexual assault claims even years after the incident. If you’ve been sexually assaulted, a California Lyft sexual abuse lawyer or an Uber sexual assault lawyer can guide you through filing a rideshare sexual assault lawsuit in California state court.
New York: Negligence, Trauma, and Platform Accountability
In one of the most alarming cases, Alison Turkos reported that her Lyft driver kidnapped her in New York City and drove her across state lines, where she was gang-raped. She later discovered Lyft allowed the driver to continue operating despite her detailed report. Her story fueled outrage over New York Lyft sexual abuse and systemic neglect by the platform.
New York law grants survivors strong protections. Under New York Executive Law § 296, survivors can take leave from work, access medical care, and seek justice without facing housing or job discrimination. While Uber Technologies and Lyft must vet their drivers under TLC rules, plaintiffs argue the platforms still fail to conduct proper background checks, putting thousands at risk.
Survivors in New York can take legal action through passenger sexual assault litigation to hold companies accountable and seek compensation.
Florida: Survivors Deserve Representation and Justice
Tabatha Means, a Florida resident, filed a sexual assault lawsuit after her Lyft driver assaulted her at home, resulting in pregnancy. In 2024, she sued Lyft for negligent hiring in federal court, highlighting the blurred line between the company’s app and drivers’ actions beyond the ride.
Florida law allows survivors to sue Lyft or Uber, even when the assault occurred off-app, by pursuing claims of negligent hiring or failure to protect passengers. Under Florida Statute § 768.096, employers may be held liable if they fail to conduct proper background checks and hire individuals who later commit intentional harm. Survivors can seek compensation for emotional distress, trauma, and other damages through civil lawsuits against negligent rideshare companies.
In cases where liability may involve both personal conduct and corporate negligence, an experienced Florida Lyft sexual assault lawyer can guide survivors through complex insurance policies and help determine the full scope of accountability, whether it lies with the Lyft/Uber driver, the company, or both.
Kansas Uber’s Negligent Hiring Put Passengers at Risk
In 2017, a Kansas student, alleged that Uber driver Yahkhahnahn Ammi raped her after she let him use her bathroom. Ammi had a prior conviction for attempted murder and an outstanding warrant at the time. Another woman had already reported him to Uber weeks earlier, but Uber failed to remove him.
Her sexual and physical assault lawsuit in Kansas emphasized Uber’s corporate negligence and lack of adequate safety measures. She is one of many Uber sexual assault victims who argue that Uber-related sexual assault cases are preventable when companies properly screen drivers.
Kansas law gives survivors of childhood sexual abuse 13 years after turning 18, or three years after a related conviction, to file claims (K.S.A. § 60-523). Survivors can also obtain protective orders to restrict contact and ensure long-term safety, sometimes even for life (K.S.A. § 60-31a06). Contacting a Kansas rideshare sexual assault lawyer ensures you understand your full rights and how to seek justice through civil action.
Utah: Recent Assaults and the Need for Stronger Protections
In 2024, a Lyft driver in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, allegedly groped a female passenger in her driveway. She had verified the ride and shared her location, but the driver locked the car and assaulted her. Prosecutors charged him with felony sexual abuse. Despite public safety protocols, Lyft’s system failed to protect her.
Under Utah Code § 76-1-301, Utah imposes no statute of limitations for criminal charges related to rape or aggravated assault. However, civil lawsuits must follow separate legal timelines, and survivors should act promptly to preserve their right to compensation.
An experienced Salt Lake City rideshare accident lawyer (Uber/Lyft) can help survivors determine whether they can file a civil lawsuit against Uber, Lyft, or the driver for sexual assault.
What Makes These Lawsuits Different?
Each Lyft/Uber sexual assault litigation differs based on the state’s liability rules, statutes of limitations, and survivor protections. Some survivors pursue justice through a class action lawsuit, while others file personal lawsuits to obtain compensation and trigger safety reform.
In 2023, a case management conference in the Northern District of California addressed the growing number of Uber sexual assault claims under multidistrict litigation (MDL). Victims accuse Uber of failing to vet drivers, ignoring sexual assault reports, and refusing to enhance safety measures.
Uber argued that it bears no liability for assaults committed by drivers classified as contractors. But plaintiffs argue that Uber’s repeated neglect amounts to complicity. Reported incidents continue to rise, as detailed in Uber’s safety report, which shows thousands of sexual assault incidents involving passengers and drivers.
FAQ
Can I sue Uber or Lyft if a driver sexually assaulted me?
Yes, you can file an Uber sexual assault lawsuit or a civil lawsuit against Lyft if an Uber or Lyft driver sexually assaulted you. These cases fall under personal injury or sexual assault litigation. Depending on the facts, survivors can sue both the driver and the rideshare company. A law firm experienced in rideshare sexual assault cases can help identify liability and build your case.
What is a Lyft/Uber rideshare assault lawsuit?
A Lyft/Uber rideshare assault lawsuit refers to a civil claim filed against Uber and/or its driver for acts of sexual assault or misconduct during or after a ride. These lawsuits often involve claims of corporate negligence, where plaintiffs argue that the platform failed to screen drivers or ignored prior reports of misconduct. For more information, you can check out Uber’s sexual assault MDL.
How do sexual assault lawyers help in rideshare cases?
Sexual assault lawyers help survivors understand their legal rights, file claims within the statute of limitations, and pursue damages for emotional distress, medical expenses, and long-term trauma. An experienced rideshare accident lawyer also knows how to handle insurance policies and hold companies accountable.
What do plaintiffs argue in Lyft/Uber sexual assault litigation?
Plaintiffs argue that Uber and Lyft enabled sexual assaults by failing to remove dangerous drivers and ignoring prior complaints. These claims often cite the platforms’ reluctance to enhance safety measures or implement adequate background checks.
What enhanced safety measures has Lyft/Uber promised?
Lyft and Uber have pledged to enhance safety measures by adding real-time ride tracking, in-app emergency buttons, audio recordings, and rider check-ins through the Lyft/Uber app.
Can rideshare sexual assault cases go to a jury trial?
Yes. Some cases proceed to a jury trial when parties cannot agree on a settlement. In such trials, survivors present evidence of negligence, misconduct, and trauma. A federal court or state court can preside over the trial, depending on the jurisdiction and claims.
What is a class action lawsuit in the context of Lyft/Uber sexual assault claims?
A class action lawsuit allows multiple survivors to file a collective legal claim against Uber or Lyft. These coordinated efforts aim to streamline the legal process and amplify plaintiffs’ claims.
You Are Not Alone
If an Uber or Lyft driver sexually assaulted you or someone you love, you have the right to act. Whether you’re dealing with sexual harassment, a violent attack, or another form of sexual misconduct, you don’t have to face the legal process alone.
At Bourassa Law Group, we stand with sexual assault victims. We know how to hold Uber Technologies, Lyft, and negligent drivers accountable when they fail to protect passengers and fail to prevent violent crimes due to inadequate safety policies and repeated negligence.
We’re here to help you pursue sexual assault claims, demand accountability, and seek real justice. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you take the next step forward.
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