How & when should I file an Uber sexual assault lawsuit?

You should consider filing a lawsuit as soon as possible. If you’ve experienced sexual assault in an Uber, it’s important to document what happened, report the incident, and contact an attorney who specializes in rideshare assault cases. There may be deadlines depending on your state’s statute of limitations.

Do I need to report the assault to Uber or Lyft first?

While it’s helpful to report the incident through the app to create a record, you’re not required to report to Uber or Lyft before taking legal action. In fact, many victims choose to go directly to a lawyer first to protect their rights.

Can I still file a case if the driver was never charged?

Yes. You can file a civil lawsuit even if the driver was never criminally charged. The civil process is separate and allows you to pursue justice and compensation regardless of whether law enforcement took action.

What compensation can I receive for a rideshare assault claim?

Compensation may include medical bills, therapy costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. An attorney can help evaluate your case and determine what damages you may be eligible to claim.

Is there a time limit for filing a rideshare assault lawsuit?

Yes, every state has a statute of limitations. This is a legal deadline that determines how long you have to file your claim. It can range from 1 to 6 years depending on where the incident occurred. Speak with a lawyer right away to avoid missing your window.

Rideshare Assault: What You Need to Know

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft offer convenient ways to get around—but they also open the door to risk. Being alone in a private car with someone you don’t know can create situations where boundaries are crossed or trust is broken. It’s crucial to understand the danger, your rights, and the steps you can take to stay safe.

Rideshare sexual abuse and assault

We can help answer your questions and connect you with an attorney if you may have a case.

How a Ride Can Become Unsafe

A rideshare assault occurs when sexual misconduct—ranging from unwanted touching to forced penetration—occurs during a ride, or when someone impersonates an authorized rideshare driver to carry out an attack. Being alone in a car with someone you don’t know can leave you feeling exposed, especially when there’s no one else around to step in.

A notable federal case arose after a passenger was attacked after entering a car she believed to be an Uber—a tragic situation that led to broader reforms like New Jersey’s “Sami’s Law,” requiring driver identification placards for passenger safety.

How Frequent Does It Happen?

Most rides are uneventful, but that doesn’t mean the danger isn’t real. Reports have shown that assaults can and do happen:

Uber’s safety reporting shows around 3,800 serious sexual assault reports over a recent two-year period.^[1]
Over the same timeframe, sexual assault incidents happened on roughly 0.0002% of US rides—about one assault per every 5 million trips for non-consensual penetration.^[2]
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that in 2019, Uber, Lyft, and other ride-hailing apps reported a total of approximately 4,600 sexual assaults.^[3]

Why Rideshares Can Be Risky

Screening limitations
Background checks may not catch all offenders. Some attackers have gained access due to incomplete vetting or impersonation tactics.
Isolation
A passenger and driver are often alone in a confined space with no cameras or partitions—creating an environment where misconduct can occur without witnesses.
Underreporting
Victims may hesitate to report due to shame, uncertainty, or fear—so actual incident numbers are likely higher than official records.

Sad Stories with Big Impact

A Colorado state representative sued after discovering her attacker impersonated a Lyft driver—using someone else’s account to bypass safety checks.
Read more on Yahoo News
In the U.S., the tragic 2019 kidnapping and murder of Samantha Josephson—who mistakenly entered a non-licensed vehicle—prompted significant safety reforms like credential placards for rideshare drivers.
Read more on Wikipedia

Legal Rights & What You Can Do

Report and document
Notify the rideshare company and file a police report. Keep ride details, timestamps, messages, and any physical evidence.
Know your rights
Victims can seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma—and rideshare platforms may face civil suits over negligent safety protocols.
Collective legal action
Courts have allowed consolidation of hundreds of lawsuits against Uber and Lyft—striking down user agreement clauses meant to prevent mass litigation.

Protect Yourself: Practical Safety Tips

Confirm driver details:
Always check the vehicle, license plate, driver photo, and name before entering.
Share trip info:
Use real-time location sharing with a trusted contact.
Choose your seating:
Sit in the back seat for distance and visibility.
Stay aware:
Don’t be distracted. Note any odd behavior or sudden route changes.
Trust your inner voice:
If something feels wrong, don’t get in—or ask the driver to stop and exit.

Steps to Take If You’re Affected

Get to safety
Your health and well-being come first.

Get Checked Out
It’s also a way to make sure any injuries are treated and that there’s a clear record of what happened.

Let the Right People Know
Reach out to the rideshare company and the police as soon as you feel ready—it can help protect others and begin the process of holding someone accountable.

Keep a Record of What Happened
Take screenshots of your trip details, any messages exchanged, the driver’s license plate, and any visible injuries.

Explore Your Options
There are people who handle cases like this every day—they can help you understand your rights and stand beside you as you decide what to do next.

ACTION

WHY IT MATTERS

Get to safety

Your health and well-being come first.

Get Checked Out

It’s also a way to make sure any injuries are treated and that there’s a clear record of what happened.

Let the Right People Know

Reach out to the rideshare company and the police as soon as you feel ready—it can help protect others and begin the process of holding someone accountable.

Keep a Record of What Happened

Take screenshots of your trip details, any messages exchanged, the driver’s license plate, and any visible injuries.

Explore Your Options

There are people who handle cases like this every day—they can help you understand your rights and stand beside you as you decide what to do next.

Industry Response & Ongoing Reforms

Rideshare companies release safety reports to maintain transparency and inform improvements. Uber, for instance, saw a significant drop in incident rates over successive safety reports.

Laws and court decisions have started to shift the landscape. Some states now require drivers to display clear ID and go through tougher background checks, while legal rulings have made it easier for survivors to come together and take collective action in court.

Quick Answers

What counts as assault during a rideshare trip?

It can be anything from unwanted comments or gestures to physical or sexual contact. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, trust your instincts—it matters.

Should I report it to the rideshare company or the police?

If you feel safeenough to do so, both. Reporting it to the company may stop that driveror passenger from hurtingsomeone else. Reporting to police can help start a legal process.

What if I didn't say anything in the moment? Does it still count?

Yes. Freezing or staying quiet is a very common response to fear. Your silence doesn’t mean you consented. You can still report it later.

Can men be victims too?

Absolutely. While most reported cases involve women, men can also be victims. Assault doesn’t discriminate.

Will my report even matter?

Yes. Even if you’re unsure what will come of it, your report adds to a bigger picture. It could protect someone else. And more importantly—it acknowledges what happened to you.

Looking Ahead

Most rides with services like Uber and Lyft end without incident—but safety isn’t guaranteed. Staying alert, understanding your rights, and trusting your instincts can go a long way. If something does happen, you’re not alone. Speaking up, getting the care you need, and leaning on support can help you take back control—and push for change where it’s needed most.

[1] UBER
[2] USA TODAY
[3] Government Accountability Office

Take Back Control. Start TODAY.

Being assaulted by a Lyft driver is not your fault. You deserve answers. You deserve advocacy. And most of all—you deserve justice.

Let us help you move forward.

Contact Survivors Justice now for your free, private consultation.