Uber finally published its long-awaited study on December 5th, disclosing that 3,000 sexual assaults were reported in its U.S. rides last year. This marks the first study that reveals the scale of the safety problem that exists at ride-hailing companies.
If you or a loved one was sexually assaulted in a ride-share vehicle, such as Uber or Lyft, you may be entitled to compensation. You should immediately consult with a New York City rideshare sexual assault attorney to protect your legal rights.
The Shocking Statistics
The report, which Uber hailed as the first of its kind, divides sexual misconduct into 21 categories, but focuses on the five most serious. The study reveals that 235 rapes were reported in 2018, including more reports of assault involving unwanted touching, kissing or attempted rape. The reports involved drivers and passengers. Uber tallied approximately 6,000 reports of those types of assault in 2017 and 2018.
Uber’s report also reveals the difficulty in policing what happens during the millions of rides booked on ride-share accounts. The report further shows that drivers are victims as well. Drivers reported instances of sexual assault at the same rate as riders across the five most serious categories it recorded. The figures for drivers were reflective of the most dangerous work environment that all drivers with passengers, including taxis, operate within.
Uber and competitor Lyft have faced a backlash for not doing enough to protect the safety of its riders and drivers.
Who Is Liable in Uber Sexual Assault Cases?
Sexual assault cases by Uber drivers can be complex. An experienced New York Uber sexual assault attorney needs to investigate the facts of the case to determine liability and help protect your legal rights. Although in most cases the driver caused your injuries, it is important for your lawyer to immediately access Uber’s records of the driver’s history to determine whether the driver had a history of sexual assault.
Claims against Uber, and other rideshare companies are complicated by the fact that their drivers are considered “independent contractors” rather than employees. But that does not mean the parent companies are not responsible for drivers under their umbrella. They can be accountable for negligent hiring and training, such as failing to conduct background checks on drivers.
Contact Our Uber Sexual Assault Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been the victim of sexual assault while in an Uber, you may be entitled to money damages. Whether you believe your sexual assault was partially due to Uber’s negligence or resulted from the driver’s behavior alone, you should immediately contact an attorney. For more information or to consult with an experienced New York City Uber sexual assault attorney, please call Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. at 1-646-798-1535.
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