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What Should You Do if You’re Assaulted by an Uber Driver?

Being assaulted during a rideshare trip is something most people never expect. Beyond the immediate safety concerns, there are also legal questions that tend to come up quickly.

If this has happened to you, it’s important to know that you may have options. Learn more about what counts as assault in a rideshare and how liability works below.

What Counts As Assault in a Rideshare?

Assault in a rideshare includes both physical and sexual harm caused by a driver or another passenger. This could range from threats and unwanted touching to more serious acts like physical violence or sexual assault.

Sexual assault covers any non-consensual sexual contact, including groping, coercion, or forced sexual activity. Regular (non-sexual) assault may involve hitting, grabbing, or threatening behavior that makes you fear for your safety.

Even if you don’t have visible injuries, any behavior that puts you in fear of harm may qualify as assault under the law.

Can You Sue Uber If a Driver Assaults You?

Yes, you may be able to sue Uber if one of their drivers assaults you, but it ultimately depends on the situation. Claims are usually brought against the driver directly, but Uber may also be included in certain situations.

While Uber classifies drivers as independent contractors, that doesn’t automatically shield the company from responsibility. If there were failures in screening, supervision, or responding to complaints, those details may open the door to a claim against the company.

It’s also worth noting that Uber carries liability insurance for rides that are active in the app. Whether that coverage applies, and how much, is something an attorney can help determine based on the timing and details of the incident.

What to Do If You’re Assaulted by an Uber Driver

If you were assaulted in a rideshare vehicle, get to a safe location as quickly as possible and call 911 if you’re in immediate danger. Once you’re safe, you should seek medical attention, even if you’re not sure whether you were injured. Then, write down details like the driver’s name, the vehicle, the route, and anything you remember about the incident while it’s still fresh in your memory.

Finally, if you’re able, try to preserve any evidence, such as the clothing you were wearing, screenshots of the ride, or communication with the driver.

How Do I Report an Uber Driver for Assault?

You can report an Uber driver directly through the Uber app or website by going to your trip history and selecting the ride in question. From there, you’ll have the option to report a safety issue.

In addition to reporting through the app, you may also want to file a police report to create an official record of the incident.

How Does Liability Work in Uber Assault Cases?

It depends on who’s legally responsible for what happened. The driver is usually the primary party responsible, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only one. As mentioned above, Uber may be held liable if it can be shown that the company failed to take reasonable steps to protect passengers.

When Might Uber Actually Be Liable?

Uber may be liable if its own actions, or lack of action, contributed to the assault; this typically involves some form of negligence on the company’s part. For example, if a driver had a known history of complaints or red flags that Uber failed to address, that could point to liability.

The same may apply if background checks weren’t fully carried out or if safety concerns were deliberately ignored. Generally speaking, these cases come down to whether Uber acted reasonably in allowing the driver to remain on the platform.

What Compensation Could I Pursue?

You may be able to pursue compensation for both financial losses and the personal impact of what happened, potentially including medical expenses, therapy costs, and lost income if you had to miss work.

Additionally, some claims also include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and long-term psychological effects. The short answer is it’ll depend on the severity of the incident and how it’s affected your life.

Key Takeaways

Assault in a rideshare can include both physical and sexual misconduct, even if there are no visible injuries.

Depending on the situation, you may be able to sue the driver and, in some cases, Uber.

Strong claims typically rest on early documentation and preserved evidence.

Schedule Your FREE, Confidential Consultation Today

If you believe you may have a case, speaking with one of our New York attorneys is a good place to start. Call 212-739-7278 or contact us today to speak with a member of our team and schedule your FREE, confidential consultation.

About the Firm: With over a decade of experience, Field Law Group has been helping personal injury victims across New York since 2013. We’re dedicated to protecting the rights of accident victims and fighting to get them the compensation they deserve.

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