Another driver for Uber has been accused of raping an intoxicated passenger in Boston. The driver picked up an unidentified woman outside of a bar in Boston. At some point during the ride, he pulled over on a one-way street, climbed into the back of the car, and allegedly raped her. The victim, who said she was “highly intoxicated”, says that after the rape, the driver woke her into consciousness and offered to pull up her pants.
The driver admitted to having sex with the woman but says the interaction was consensual. He was arrested and charged with rape. He claims that the woman requested to have sex with him and that footage from a camera in his car would prove his claim. Police searched his car and reviewed the camera but did not find anything to corroborate the driver’s claims.
The driver’s attorney said that the woman was intoxicated and did not remember portions of what had happened. However, the driver was found to have a criminal record, including a 2015 arrest for soliciting sex for money and some drug-related charges. Uber announced that the company had rescinded the driver’s access to the app and will continue to cooperate with law enforcement.
Uber has been found to have a long history of sexual misconduct by drivers. An investigation done earlier this year by CNN found that 100 Uber drivers have been accused of sexually assaulting or abusing customers in the U.S. over the last four years.
Unfortunately, ride share companies often do not do a thorough background check into their drivers like they should. This can leave passengers vulnerable to sexual assaults, thefts, and other criminal actions. If you have been harmed by a rideshare driver, you should speak with an attorney. Call me, Los Angeles personal injury attorney Conal Doyle at 310-385-0567. I can help. Call today to learn more or to schedule a free consultation on your case.