The victim of an alleged sexual assault by a California Lyft driver has filed a lawsuit against the company. She says that acts of sexual violence by drivers for Lyft have become pervasive. She also says that her attack was captured on a home surveillance system.
The complaint alleges that the driver raped the unconscious woman after assorting her into her house. The woman had blacked out from drinking by the time she arrived at home. She woke up the next morning bruised, naked, and bleeding. The entire assault, which lasted 30 minutes, was captured on the woman’s home video surveillance system. The driver is also facing a variety of sexual charges, including using a concealed camera to film under the woman’s clothing. He is facing almost 18 years in prison if convicted of all charges.
The victim’s attorney says that the company misrepresents itself to the public as being safe. The company advertises itself as an “alternative to drinking and driving”, but there have been a number of assaults against riders in recent years. The lawsuit claims that the company targets a female market and routinely fails to adequately screen its drivers, hiring people with criminal histories. The lawsuit also alleges that Lyft has a history of failing to cooperate with law enforcement, complying with only about half of the law enforcement requests for information it received in 2017. The victim is seeking monetary damages and is asking that Lyft implement safety changes.
If you have been harmed by the actions of a Lyft or Uber driver, you may be able to make a claim against the company as well as the driver. You should speak with an attorney. If you are in southern California, call me, Conal Doyle, Los Angeles personal injury attorney, at 310-385-0567. I can help. Call today to learn more or to schedule a free consultation on your case.