A Washington, D.C. woman is suing Uber for negligence, among other claims, after she says she was sexually assaulted by one of the company’s drivers. The woman says that Uber alleges that it is a safe mode of transportation for women, especially women who have been drinking, when instead the company puts its female customers in danger.
According to the lawsuit, the woman was sexually assaulted by an Uber driver in April 2018. She told a social worker, who contacted the police. The police were able to collect DNA evidence linking the man to the assault. He pleaded guilty and is currently in jail.
Unfortunately, this lawsuit is far from unusual. CNN reported last year that over a period of four years at least 103 Uber drivers had been accused of sexually assaulting their passengers. A number of those women have sued Uber, claiming that the company should be held liable for the actions of their drivers. In some of the cases, Uber had information about the drivers’ backgrounds that it ignored when hiring them. Typically, Uber settles sexual assault cases quietly rather than letting them go to trial.
Critics of Uber point out that Uber markets itself to women who have been drinking as a safe alternative to drinking and driving. However, women who use Uber while intoxicated are at a higher risk of being sexually assaulted than others. Uber vows to take steps to make its service safer to users.
Sadly, assaults by rideshare drivers are becoming more prevalent. If you have been harmed by a rideshare driver, you should speak with an attorney. You may have legal options you have not considered. If you are in Los Angeles, 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.