Uber, Lyft and Other Rideshare Lawsuits

As of November 2024, MDL No. 3084 included 1,411 pending lawsuits that alleged “Uber failed to implement appropriate safety precautions to protect passengers, and that plaintiffs suffered sexual assault or harassment as a result.”

This is a huge jump from last month, when there were only 387 lawsuits in the MDL.

Uber and Lyft have faced multiple rideshare lawsuits over the years alleging they allowed unsafe conditions for riders and drivers.

Plaintiffs have filed multiple lawsuits against Uber and Lyft over the years with similar claims. These rideshare assault lawsuits repeatedly assert that the rideshare companies foster an unsafe and toxic culture that results in violent attacks on riders and drivers.

While every rideshare assault lawsuit is unique, most make similar claims that the rideshare companies failed to provide a suitably safe environment for passengers and drivers. Negligence claims range from insufficient screening to a lack of support to victims reporting rideshare assaults.

Rideshare lawsuits seek changes to company policies, including better driver screening and training, improved access to emergency assistance, streamlined reporting policies and enhanced support services for victims of rideshare assault. Some people are also filing personal injury lawsuits to seek compensation for rideshare assault.

Victims of sexual assault can call the 24-hour National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or use the live chat feature at rainn.org. RAINN connects people to someone in their area who can provide sensitive and compassionate support. It also offers additional resources to help with the reporting and healing processes.

Anyone who experienced violence while using a rideshare service may be eligible to file an Uber or Lyft lawsuit. Rideshare passengers or drivers who experienced violence or sexual assault during a trip should schedule a consultation with an attorney to discuss their options.

Speaking with an attorney who has experience successfully litigating this type of personal injury case is an important first step. During your consultation, the attorney will evaluate any evidence you have of the trip, such as ride receipts, and explore possible approaches to seeking compensation.

Uber and Lyft are taking steps to reduce in-trip violence by following the guidance of experts and implementing easy-to-use emergency features, location-sharing capabilities and streamlined post-trip reporting procedures. Additionally, Lyft uses annual background checks and routine monitoring of criminal convictions to improve rider safety.

However, many individuals who have experienced rideshare assault say these efforts fall short. The ongoing MDL rideshare assault lawsuit asks for companies to perform more in-depth background checks and require in-car cameras to discourage inappropriate behavior and capture any that may occur.

The CPUC rules require rideshare operators to provide training to drivers on avoiding sexual assault and harassment. Uber and Lyft both require drivers to complete a training program developed by RAINN to increase awareness of rideshare assault and misconduct.

These rules also call for the development of procedures for investigating assault complaints and compiling reports using uniform terminology to facilitate accurate outside monitoring. This helps ensure that rideshare companies implement procedures that promote safe environments for riders and drivers.