Rideshare Sexual Assault Litigation

Rideshare companies Uber and Lyft are facing thousands of sexual assault and harassment lawsuits from passengers who allege the companies failed to properly screen drivers, ignored complaints, and did not implement basic safety measures to protect riders.

Overview

The rideshare sexual assault litigation represents one of the largest ongoing mass tort cases against technology companies. Over 2,800 federal lawsuits have been consolidated into a Multi-District Litigation (MDL No. 3084) in the Northern District of California, with additional cases proceeding in state courts across the country.

Multiple Legal Proceedings

Federal MDL (Multi-District Litigation)

In October 2023, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidated all federal Uber sexual assault cases into MDL No. 3084, titled "In Re: Uber Technologies, Inc., Passenger Sexual Assault Litigation." This MDL is designed to streamline pre-trial proceedings for thousands of cases.

Key Developments:

• Over 2,800 federal lawsuits consolidated as of late 2024
• First federal bellwether trial scheduled for January 2026
• Discovery ongoing with bellwether selection process underway
• Parties mandated to select plaintiffs for a 20-case bellwether discovery pool

A similar MDL for Lyft cases is anticipated to be created in 2025, as the number of filings continues to grow.

State Court Coordinated Proceedings

California has coordinated sexual assault cases against both companies in state court:

• Uber: JCCP 5188 in San Francisco County Superior Court
• Lyft: JCCP 5061 in San Francisco Superior Court (since January 2020)

The first state-level Uber sexual assault trial took place in September 2025, setting important precedents for future cases.

Tolling Agreements

Many victims have entered into tolling agreements with the rideshare companies. These agreements pause the statute of limitations, allowing more time to investigate claims and negotiate settlements without the pressure of filing deadlines. This is particularly important given the complex nature of these cases and the need for thorough documentation.

Who Qualifies?

You may have a claim if you:

• Were sexually assaulted or harassed by an Uber or Lyft driver
• Experienced unwanted sexual contact, advances, or comments during a ride
• Suffered physical or psychological injuries as a result
• Reported the incident to the company with inadequate response
• Have medical or psychological treatment records documenting the trauma

Common Allegations

Lawsuits against Uber and Lyft typically allege:

• Inadequate Background Checks: Failure to conduct thorough criminal background screenings
• Ignoring Red Flags: Not acting on prior complaints about specific drivers
• Lack of Safety Features: Failing to implement in-app safety tools and emergency features
• Delayed Response: Slow or inadequate response to assault reports
• Prioritizing Profits: Choosing growth and convenience over passenger safety

Potential Compensation

Settlement amounts vary significantly based on the severity of the assault and its impact on the victim:

Tier 1 - Severe Cases ($300,000 - $1,000,000+)

• Physical violence or rape
• Long-term psychological injury (PTSD, severe anxiety/depression)
• Cases where the company ignored prior complaints about the driver
• Evidence of gross negligence

Tier 2 - Mid-Level Cases ($150,000 - $300,000)

• Significant sexual assault or severe sexual harassment
• Moderate psychological trauma requiring ongoing treatment
• Clear evidence of company negligence

Tier 3 - Lower-Level Cases ($50,000 - $150,000)

• Sexual harassment or inappropriate conduct
• Emotional distress with documented treatment
• Company policy violations

What Compensation Covers

Victims may recover damages for:

• Medical Expenses: Treatment for physical injuries and psychological trauma
• Therapy and Counseling: Ongoing mental health treatment for PTSD, anxiety, and depression
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to inability to work
• Pain and Suffering: Emotional distress and loss of quality of life
• Punitive Damages: Additional damages to punish egregious corporate negligence

Important Deadlines

Statutes of limitations vary by state and can range from 1-10 years depending on:

• The state where the assault occurred
• The age of the victim at the time
• Whether a tolling agreement was signed
• The specific nature of the assault

Don't wait - Many victims have already filed claims, and evidence preservation is critical.

Why These Cases Matter

This litigation has already resulted in significant changes to rideshare safety policies, including:

• Enhanced driver screening procedures
• In-app safety features and emergency buttons
• Improved reporting mechanisms for passengers
• Greater transparency in safety statistics

In 2021, Uber agreed to a $9 million settlement with California regulators for failing to provide information on sexual assault claims.

Next Steps

If you or a loved one was sexually assaulted or harassed during an Uber or Lyft ride, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Our network of experienced attorneys specializes in rideshare sexual assault litigation and can help you:

1. Evaluate your claim at no cost
2. Gather necessary evidence and documentation
3. Navigate the complex legal proceedings (MDL, state court, or tolling agreements)
4. Pursue maximum compensation for your injuries

Time is critical - contact us today for a free, confidential case review.