Taking an Uber or Lyft is a convenient and cost-effective option for getting around town. However, taking a rideshare can also be dangerous because it puts you in a vehicle with a stranger; and sadly, there have been instances of passengers being sexually assaulted by drivers. While a person can be criminally charged for their conduct, that still does not address the physical, financial, and psychological effects that the incident will have on you.
We have Fort Washington Uber/Lyft sexual assault lawyers at Friedman Shuman Layser who can help you understand what is involved in a civil claim for compensation. Our skilled sexual abuse injury attorneys can take cases throughout Pennsylvania, so you can get the peace of mind that you deserve.
Examples of Sexual Assault Occurring in Ubers or Lyfts
Different types of sexual assaults and abuse can occur in rideshare vehicles, any of which may be included in a claim for damages, including the following:
- Verbal harassment
- Unwanted sexual advances
- Sexual harassment
- Coercion or threats for sex acts
- Exposing private parts to a passenger
- Taking sexual pictures or videos without the passenger’s consent
- Sexual assault/rape
Regardless of what kind of sexual assault or attack happened in an Uber or Lyft, our skilled Fort Washington attorneys will make sure your claim is legally sound and that all of your losses are included in the lawsuit.
Who Can You Sue After a Rideshare Sexual Assault?
Rideshare companies are supposed to provide a convenient method of safe transportation for paying passengers. Uber and Lyft both have specific policies that are intended to prevent inappropriate sexual behavior and assaults. If an incident occurs, the rideshare company should investigate what happened and take appropriate actions.
You might be eligible to sue the rideshare company directly if it acted negligently, such as by doing the following:
- If Uber or Lyft did not conduct adequate driver background checks to see if the driver had a criminal record
- If the rideshare company did not appropriately respond to prior passenger complaints
- If they did not take the right steps to prevent foreseeable harm
What Steps Should You Take After a Rideshare Sex Assault?
You deserve the chance to seek justice if you were sexually violated in an Uber or Lyft. Taking the correct steps in the days and weeks immediately after an assault can help if you later decide to pursue a lawsuit.
Seek Medical Attention
You should call 911 to get medical assistance. The doctors who treat you can sensitively handle your examination, and their report could serve as evidence linking your injuries to the assault that occurred in the rideshare vehicle.
File a Police Report
It is best to report the attack to Fort Washington law enforcement. The police can investigate the incident and document what occurred. If you choose to take legal action, our attorneys can use the official police report as a starting point to our own detailed and comprehensive investigation.
Report the Assault to Uber or Lyft
You need to report what happened to you to the rideshare company. Uber and Lyft both have a feature on their apps to report dangerous incidents and to mention the driver.
A sexual assault in a rideshare vehicle can result in physical injuries and emotional harm, and our experienced Fort Washington legal team can carefully evaluate the situation and determine if you can seek damages in a civil lawsuit.
Talk with Our Fort Washington Attorneys About a Sexual Assault in an Uber or Lyft
When you ride in an Uber or Lyft, you should not have to be in fear. If you were sexually assaulted while in a rideshare vehicle, talk to our Fort Washington lawyers who understand the trauma you are facing and will work tirelessly to help you through it. Call Friedman Schuman Layser or fill out a contact form to learn what you should do next.