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Key Facts About Rideshare Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

The trauma of a rideshare sexual assault can tilt the ground beneath you and make even simple answers feel out of reach. This guide provides key facts to know if you’re considering a rideshare sexual abuse lawsuit.

At Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, our Connecticut Uber and Lyft sexual assault lawyers can help you regain your footing. With over 35 years of experience handling complex and emotionally challenging cases, we’re here to answer questions and help survivors seek justice. Call us at 203-865-8430 or submit a confidential online form to speak with a member of the team.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • Survivors of rideshare sexual assault have legal rights and may hold drivers and rideshare companies accountable.
  • Evidence preserved early plays a crucial role in building a strong rideshare sexual assault lawsuit.
  • Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C. offers compassionate, confidential support and experienced legal representation for survivors across Connecticut.

Fact #1: Uber and Lyft have Reported Thousands of Sexual Assaults

Even though Uber and Lyft say over 99% of rides end without incident, their safety reports still show a concerning number of sexual assault cases. Lyft reported 2,651 cases between 2020 and 2022, while Uber documented 2,717 cases between 2021 and 2022. 

There is no acceptable justification for overlooking these risks or minimizing the harm caused when safety systems fail. When a rideshare company’s decisions expose passengers to preventable danger, those failures can become a central issue in a civil lawsuit.

Common Examples of Uber and Lyft Sexual Assault Misconduct

Sexual assault and misconduct in rideshare vehicles can take many forms, and survivors often encounter more than one type of harm during a single incident. Our Connecticut sexual assault attorneys commonly investigate:

  • Inappropriate touching or sexual advances by a driver
  • Physical assault or rape during or after a trip
  • Drugging or intoxication facilitated by the driver
  • Threats, coercion, or intimidation in a confined vehicle
  • Taking a passenger to an isolated or unexpected location
  • Exposing oneself or engaging in sexual behavior in front of a passenger

Fact #2: Victims of Rideshare Sexual Assault Have Legal Rights

You have the legal right to seek accountability from the individuals and companies that failed to keep you safe. When a driver’s actions or a rideshare company’s negligence lead to harm, the law provides a path to pursue justice, financial recovery, and a measure of closure.

Fact #3: Rideshare Sexual Assault Lawsuits Can Hold Companies Accountable for Negligence

Rideshare drivers are typically classified as independent contractors, a designation that often serves as a legal buffer to limit company liability. There are still situations where Uber or Lyft may share legal fault if their own actions, or inaction, increased the risk of assault. When a company overlooks clear red flags, cuts corners on safety, or misleads riders about security, the law allows you to hold the rideshare platform accountable.

Examples of rideshare company negligence include:

  • Failure to properly screen or background-check drivers
  • Ignoring prior complaints or safety warnings about a driver
  • Lacking adequate safety features, monitoring tools, or response protocols
  • Misrepresenting the safety of their platform to passengers
  • Allowing drivers with known policy violations to continue working
  • Failure to remove drivers involved in repeated passenger safety concerns
  • Providing unclear or inaccessible reporting options for passengers

Fact #4: You Have Limited Time to File

Civil lawsuits in Connecticut generally have a three-year statute of limitations. This filing deadline can change depending on who you are suing and the legal theory supporting the claim. Several important exceptions provide survivors a longer timeline to pursue justice.

If the perpetrator is convicted of first-degree sexual assault or first-degree aggravated sexual assault, the standard civil statute of limitations may be extended or eliminated. Survivors who were under 18 at the time of the assault are also given additional time to file in many cases.

Fact #5: Compensation Goes Beyond Medical Bills

Financial recovery in a rideshare sexual assault lawsuit isn’t limited to hospital visits or immediate treatment. The compensation available depends on the severity of the harm, the long-term impact on your life, and whether Uber, Lyft, or another party acted with serious negligence in failing to protect your safety. You may be able to pursue compensation that not only covers medical bills but also the emotional and practical tolls of the incident.

Compensation may include:

  • Medical care, counseling, and long-term therapeutic support
  • Lost income or reduced earning capacity
  • Pain, emotional suffering, and trauma-related harm
  • Costs associated with relocation or increased personal security
  • Loss of enjoyment of life or diminished quality of life
  • In rare cases, punitive damages are awarded when a company’s conduct is egregiously negligent

Fact #6: Early Evidence Preservation Is Crucial

The hours after a rideshare sexual assault can feel disorienting, but preserving evidence as early as possible is crucial to protecting your rights. Strong evidence helps support your claim, prevents Uber or Lyft from disputing your account later, and helps create a comprehensive narrative surrounding the incident. The recommended steps after a rideshare sexual assault incident focus on safety and documentation:
  1. Call 911 immediately and report the assault.
  2. Report the driver through the Uber or Lyft app so the incident is documented.
  3. Save every record connected to your ride, including trip receipts, route screenshots, messages or communications with the driver or rideshare company, medical records, sexual assault forensic examination (SAFE) findings, and physical and psychological treatment notes.
Even if you are not ready to pursue legal action at this time, focusing on your safety and preserving evidence early can help prevent disputes later and provide your legal team with a stronger foundation if you decide to move forward.

When to Contact a Rideshare Sexual Assault Lawyer

Reaching out to an attorney early can make a meaningful difference in your case. At Kennedy Johnson, our rideshare sexual assault lawyers have extensive experience handling sensitive assault claims with the confidentiality and meticulous preparation these cases require. Even if you’re unsure about your options or whether to take legal action, our team can guide you through each step with the care and compassion you deserve.

Fact #7: What to Do If You Feel Unsafe During an Uber or Lyft Ride

For many survivors, the moment when the ride started to feel off only becomes clear in hindsight, but there are steps you can take during your ride to keep yourself safe. If you ever find yourself in a rideshare and something doesn’t feel right, even if you can’t explain why, your safety comes first.

When possible, step out of the vehicle in a public place, call someone you trust, or contact emergency services. You can also report concerning behavior directly through the rideshare app, which helps document what happened and alerts the company to any potential risks.

Common Questions About Rideshare Sexual Abuse Cases

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Uber or Lyft Sexual Assault Lawyer?

Many people hesitate to seek legal support because they are worried about the cost of hiring an Uber or Lyft sexual assault lawyer. However, most clients pay nothing upfront. Firms like Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C., handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we recover compensation for you.

What Happens If My Uber or Lyft Driver Denies the Assault?

A denial does not end your case. An attorney will rely on ride data, app records, medical documentation, witness statements, and expert analysis to establish what happened and move your claim forward.

Why Choose Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C. For Your Rideshare Sexual Abuse Lawyer?

Rideshare sexual assault cases are emotionally heavy, legally complex, and deeply personal. When you choose KJSR, you’re choosing a firm known for meticulous preparation, a team-focused approach, and a long history of securing meaningful results for our clients.

We understand how difficult this process can be, but our legal team is dedicated to standing by your side with compassion and unwavering advocacy. You don’t have to navigate this alone. We’re here to advocate for you.

Contact a Rideshare Sexual Assault Lawyer Today

If you are ready to take the next step, the attorneys at Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C. are here to help. With offices in New Haven, Norwalk, and West Hartford, we provide confidential guidance and clear direction for individuals navigating the legal aftermath of a rideshare sexual assault.

You do not have to face this process alone. We can help. Contact our lawyers by calling 203-865-8430 or reaching out through our secure online form.