Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit 2024 | A Deep Dive into Rideshare Company Misconduct

“Between 2017 and 2020, nearly 10,000 incidents of sexual assault were reported to Uber, raising serious questions about the rideshare company’s safety protocols and accountability to passengers.”

Understanding the Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit: Key Facts and Allegations

This page discusses the Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit, recent developments in the claims against Uber, how survivors can seek justice and compensation, and other essential details.

Lawsuits Filed by Survivors of Uber Driver Sexual Assault

Between 2017 and 2020, nearly 10,000 sexual assaults were reported to Uber.

Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuits are being filed nationwide by individuals who experienced sexual assault or other forms of misconduct by Uber drivers.

The lawsuits allege that Uber Technologies, Inc. failed to implement proper safety measures and conduct adequate background checks, leading to a pattern of sexual assaults and misconduct against passengers.

Sexual assault is a deeply traumatic crime, and all responsible parties must be held accountable.

These incidents require comprehensive investigations into both the perpetrators' actions and the company’s responsibilities for rider safety.

Victims of sexual assault by an Uber driver may have the right to pursue legal action against Uber.

If you or someone you know was sexually assaulted, battered, or experienced any other form of misconduct from an Uber driver, you may qualify to file an Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit.

Please don't hesitate to contact us for a confidential consultation. Your safety is our priority, and assistance is available 24/7.

Contact Eric Cardenas LAW for a free consultation, or take the Instant Qualifying Quiz on this page to check your eligibility for a Hotel Human Trafficking Lawsuit.

Our Commitment to Survivors

Our law firm is deeply sensitive to the needs of our clients. We recognize the challenges you may be facing during this difficult time.

We are here to provide the legal support you need so you can focus on your mental, emotional, and physical recovery.

Please reach out to our team with any questions or concerns. We are here to help and guide you every step of the way.

Latest Updates on the Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit

November 8, 2024

Uber is currently engaged in substantial litigation involving nearly 3,000 sexual assault lawsuits. These cases have been consolidated in both a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) and California state court.

The lawsuits allege that Uber’s platform failed to protect users adequately from driver misconduct, focusing on insufficient safety protocols.

Uber is opposing the MDL’s centralized approach, a process intended to streamline cases with shared facts, like these sexual assault allegations.

Recent developments include Uber requesting a filing deadline for the MDL to limit new claims and advocating for case transfers from the MDL to jurisdictions where individual incidents occurred.

This push for local adjudication could create logistical and financial obstacles for plaintiffs, complicating their collective legal strategy.

Uber asserts that its platform is safe and claims its safety protocols are sufficient. However, the company has also emphasized ongoing efforts to improve safety, indicating an acknowledgment of areas needing enhancement.

These initiatives may serve as both a public relations strategy and a move to reduce liability in current and future cases.

November 1, 2024

The Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit remains active, with claims brought by victims who allege sexual assault or harassment during rides arranged through the Uber platform.

Plaintiffs argue that Uber’s safety measures were insufficient, leading to incidents that caused significant physical, emotional, and psychological harm.

In October, 1,346 cases were filed as part of the lawsuit. By November, that number increased to 1,411, reflecting 65 additional cases.

This rise highlights greater awareness among victims and a collective effort to hold Uber accountable for alleged safety failures.

These cases underscore the profound and lasting impact of sexual assault on survivors’ well-being.

October 26, 2024

Uber has filed a motion to dismiss a federal lawsuit initiated in July 2024, which alleges the company was negligent in a sexual assault case.

Uber contends it is "not legally responsible" for crimes committed by third parties, arguing that its role as a platform provider does not make it liable for the actions of its users.

The company compares itself to a computer manufacturer or an Internet service provider, stating that these entities are not held accountable for crimes committed through their products.

The lawsuit includes claims of negligence and illegal sex trafficking, with plaintiffs alleging that Uber failed to shield minors from the risk of child sex trafficking.

The plaintiffs assert that Uber drivers knowingly transported underage girls without adult chaperones or parental consent, despite warnings to Uber about such risks.

Uber is seeking to move the case from state court in South Carolina to federal court in Columbia, where it has requested dismissal.

Additionally, Uber aims to exclude references to its profits from the case, asserting these details are irrelevant and intended to harm its reputation.

Mediation has been ordered, with both parties expected to exchange records by mid-2025. Judge Mary Geiger Lewis has not yet ruled on Uber’s motions or the plaintiffs’ filings

If you or someone you care about was harmed in a trafficking situation involving a hotel, you may be eligible to file a claim.

Contact Eric Cardenas LAW for a free, confidential consultation, or take the Instant Qualifying Quiz to connect with our team today.

Overview of Claims in the Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit

A troubling pattern of sexual assault and violence involving Uber drivers has led to numerous lawsuits against the company.

Thousands of female passengers using Uber’s platform have reported incidents of rape, sexual assault, false imprisonment, harassment, and other forms of sexual violence.

According to Uber’s safety reports from 2017 to 2020, over 10,000 incidents of sexual assault were documented.

The Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit seeks to address these incidents and claims that the company failed to implement sufficient safety measures to protect passengers.

As a result of this litigation, survivors of sexual abuse may be eligible for compensation.

If you or a loved one were sexually assaulted or experienced other forms of misconduct as an Uber passenger, you may qualify to file a claim.

What is the Uber Sexual Assault MDL?

The Uber Sexual Assault MDL is a consolidation of lawsuits filed against Uber Technologies, Inc., alleging sexual assault and harassment by drivers.

The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) consolidated these cases in October 2023 due to shared factual questions about Uber’s safety practices.

From the transfer order filed on October 4, 2023:

“These actions share complex factual questions arising from allegations that Uber failed to implement appropriate safety precautions to protect passengers, and that plaintiffs suffered sexual assault or harassment as a result.

Common factual questions include Uber’s knowledge about the prevalence of sexual assault by Uber drivers, and whether Uber failed to conduct adequate background checks of its drivers, train drivers regarding sexual assault and harassment, implement adequate safety measures to protect passengers from sexual assault, and adequately respond to complaints about drivers.”

The MDL is centralized in California federal court as Uber Technologies, Passenger Sexual Assault Litigation MDL No. 3084.

Reasons for the Uber Sexual Assault MDL

The Panel centralized the cases in the Northern District of California due to shared factual questions, such as:

• Uber’s knowledge about sexual assault incidents

• Background check processes

• Driver training programs

• Safety measures for passengers

• Responses to passenger complaints

Consolidation aims to avoid inconsistent pretrial rulings and save time and resources.

While Uber raised concerns about varying state laws and potential third-party claims against drivers, the court found enough commonality among the cases to warrant centralization.

Uber has opposed the MDL, arguing that the company:

• “...did not owe a duty to Plaintiff to protect against the criminal conduct.”

• Believes these lawsuits “have little in common.”

Uber also argued that its Terms of Use preclude consolidation, but the court rejected this argument.

At a November pretrial hearing, Judge Breyer emphasized the need to resolve victims’ cases quickly, stating that survivors deserve swift resolution of their claims.

What is MDL, and How is it Different from a Class Action Lawsuit?

Multidistrict litigation (MDL) is a federal legal process that consolidates similar lawsuits from various jurisdictions into one court for pretrial proceedings.

Key differences between MDL and class action lawsuits include:

• MDL: Plaintiffs retain individual cases and receive settlements based on their specific circumstances and damages.

• Class Action: Plaintiffs are treated as a group and typically receive equal compensation, regardless of individual details.

MDL often involves bellwether trials, which serve as test cases to gauge responses to evidence and shape the course of litigation.

Coordinated discovery and pretrial motions streamline the process, ensuring efficiency and consistency across cases.

Lawsuits for Uber Drivers Assaulted by Passengers

Of the sexual assault reports documented by Uber, over 40% involved passengers as perpetrators.

If you were sexually assaulted as an Uber driver, you might qualify to file a lawsuit separate from the consolidated cases in California federal court.

Cases involving driver victims are typically handled individually.

Contact our legal team for more information if you were assaulted as an Uber driver.

Developments in the Uber Sexual Assault MDL: What You Need to Know

The Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit continues to progress, with pretrial orders and filings establishing the framework for managing these complex legal proceedings. Below is a summary of the key developments in MDL No. 3084:

Summary of Pretrial Orders

• Pretrial Order No. 1 (10/6/2023):
  Established initial procedures for consolidated pretrial proceedings in the Northern District of California. This order outlined filing requirements and created the master docket file.

• Pretrial Order No. 2 (11/3/2023):
  Addressed the preservation of relevant information, including electronically stored information (ESI). It clarified the duty to preserve evidence.

• Pretrial Order No. 3 (11/6/2023):
  Set up the procedure for appointing the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (PSC), a team of attorneys coordinating the consolidated cases.

• Pretrial Order No. 4 (12/6/2023):
  Finalized the appointment of Plaintiffs’ Co-Lead Counsel and other members of the PSC. Responsibilities included managing pretrial proceedings and encouraging prompt case filings.

• Stipulation and Order re Plaintiffs Who Wish to Proceed Anonymously (12/28/2023):
  Allowed plaintiffs to use pseudonyms like "Jane Doe" while ensuring their identities remain confidential. Real names are disclosed to defendants under strict confidentiality protocols.

• Pretrial Order No. 5 (12/28/2023):
  Lifted the discovery stay, outlined discovery schedules, and required plaintiffs to provide Uber-related trip details by February 15, 2024. Defendants’ Rule 26 disclosures were due February 29, 2024.

• Protective Order (12/28/2023):
  Established protocols for handling confidential information during litigation, ensuring proper management and safeguarding of sensitive materials.

• Pretrial Order No. 6 (1/2/2024):
  Enabled plaintiffs to file actions directly in the Northern District of California, streamlining case management.

• Pretrial Order No. 7 (2/9/2024):
  Denied Uber’s motion to stay proceedings pending a Ninth Circuit decision. The court emphasized the need to advance the litigation without delay.

• Pretrial Order No. 8 (3/1/2024):
  Clarified procedures for resolving discovery disputes, ensuring efficiency and fairness in handling disagreements over evidence exchange.

• Pretrial Order No. 9 (3/15/2024):
  Resolved disputes over ESI protocols, including search methodologies and handling inaccessible documents. Further discussions on unresolved cloud-stored documents were scheduled.

• Pretrial Order No. 10 (3/19/2024):
  Set requirements for Plaintiff Fact Sheets (PFS) and Defendant Fact Sheets (DFS) to streamline discovery.

• Pretrial Order No. 11 (3/20/2024):
  Allowed plaintiffs to reference a Master Long-Form Complaint when filing, simplifying the process for initiating claims.

• Pretrial Order No. 12 (3/26/2024):
  Updated litigation management, including deadlines for evidence exchange and pretrial motions. It highlighted ongoing settlement discussions.

• Pretrial Order No. 13 (3/29/2024):
  Detailed billing and expense tracking for legal services, ensuring transparency in compensable work.

• Amended Pretrial Order No. 12 (4/1/2024):
  Revised protocols for time and expense reporting, emphasizing accuracy and compliance.

• Pretrial Order No. 14 (4/4/2024):
  Established rules under Federal Rule of Evidence 502(d) for handling privileged materials, including procedures for inadvertent disclosures.

• Pretrial Order No. 15 (5/20/2024):
  Rejected Uber’s attempt to enforce provisions in its Terms of Use that precluded consolidated proceedings. The court ruled such clauses undermined MDL’s purpose.

• Second Amended Pretrial Order No. 12 (5/23/2024):
  Updated common benefit work protocols, focusing on accurate tracking and reporting of submissions.

• Pretrial Order No. 16 (8/9/2024):
  Established deposition protocols, including scheduling, custodial file production, and handling third-party subpoenas.

• Pretrial Order No. 17 (8/15/2024):
  Denied Uber’s motions to dismiss claims under California and Texas law, addressing allegations that the company failed to prioritize passenger safety and adopt reasonable safeguards.

Key Takeaways from the Litigation

1. Centralization for Efficiency:
   The MDL consolidates cases to ensure consistent rulings, streamline discovery, and manage legal complexities efficiently.

2. Plaintiffs’ Rights to Anonymity:
   Plaintiffs can file claims under pseudonyms, protecting their privacy while pursuing justice.

3. Focus on Safety Protocols:
   Uber’s alleged failure to implement adequate safety measures remains a central issue in these cases.

4. Discovery Deadlines:
   Clear timelines for evidence submission and document exchange have been established, ensuring the litigation progresses without unnecessary delays.

5. Ongoing Legal Challenges:
   Uber continues to oppose aspects of the MDL, including its centralization and specific claims under state laws.

For additional information or to explore your legal options, contact our legal team today.

Uber's Safety Record: Accountability for Sexual Assault Claims

Uber’s safety record has come under scrutiny due to numerous sexual assault claims involving its drivers, raising concerns about passenger safety in the rideshare industry. These incidents highlight significant gaps in Uber’s safety measures and accountability systems.

The Need for Stronger Safety Measures

Uber has been criticized for failing to prevent and adequately address sexual assaults by drivers. Demands for better safety protocols, including stricter background checks, have grown in response to these incidents. As a leading rideshare company, Uber bears a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of passengers at all times. Strengthening accountability and transparency in handling such cases is essential.

Listening to Survivors

Survivors’ voices must be acknowledged, and their legal rights protected. The onus lies on rideshare companies to not only provide transportation but to prioritize the well-being of their users. Investigating and addressing sexual violence on these platforms is critical to rebuilding trust and ensuring passenger safety.

Uber Safety Report on Sexual Assaults

According to Uber’s safety reports:

• Nearly 4,000 sexual assaults were reported on Uber’s app in 2019-2020.

• This represents a 38% decrease from nearly 6,000 incidents reported in 2017-2018.

• Despite the decline, nearly 10,000 incidents in three years remain alarming.

Uber’s report focuses on five of the “most severe categories” of sexual assault:

1. Non-consensual sexual penetration

2. Non-consensual kissing of a sexual body part

3. Non-consensual touching of a sexual body part

4. Attempted non-consensual sexual penetration

5. Non-consensual kissing of a non-sexual body part

Critics argue that Uber’s reporting categories do not encompass the full scope of sexual misconduct, leaving consumers and regulators without a complete understanding of the problem.

Ongoing Criticism and Lawsuits

Lawsuits against Uber allege the company:

• Responded inadequately to sexual assault claims.

• Allowed drivers with questionable backgrounds and prior allegations of misconduct to remain on the platform.

• Prioritized profit over rider safety by neglecting to implement rigorous preventative measures.

Uber’s Safety Features to Combat Sexual Violence

In response to these incidents, Uber has introduced several safety features:

• 2022: Text-to-911 for discreet emergency assistance.

• 2018: Uber Safety Toolkit, including:

  • Emergency assistance

  • “Trusted contacts” to share trip details

  • Enhanced criminal background checks

  • Independent vehicle inspections

While these updates reflect efforts to improve safety, sexual violence by Uber drivers remains a pervasive issue.

Does Uber Mandate Mediation for Sexual Assault Claims?

Prior to 2018, Uber required survivors of sexual assault to undergo independent arbitration rather than filing lawsuits or contacting authorities. This policy:

• Prevented survivors from publicly sharing their experiences.

• Required non-disclosure agreements, effectively silencing victims.

In 2018, Uber removed the mandatory arbitration clause for sexual assault claims after receiving a letter from 14 female survivors. This change marked a step toward greater accountability, allowing survivors to pursue legal action and share their stories.

Uber’s ongoing challenges in addressing sexual violence emphasize the need for robust safety measures and a commitment to accountability. Survivors deserve justice, and Uber must ensure its platform prioritizes the safety of all users.

Do You Qualify to File an Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit?

Survivors of sexual assault deserve justice and accountability. The Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit seeks to hold Uber responsible for failing to protect passengers from harm.

If you or a loved one experienced sexual assault or misconduct while using Uber, you may qualify to file a claim.

Experienced attorneys will guide you through the legal process, helping to build a strong case and represent your best interests.

Contact Eric Cardenas LAW today to get started or use the Instant Qualifying Quiz on this page to find out if you qualify immediately.

Why Choose Eric Cardenas LAW for Your Uber Sexual Assault Case?

Sexual assault is a traumatic crime, and survivors deserve compensation, justice, and support for recovery. Both the perpetrators and any negligent third parties must be held accountable to prevent further harm.

The Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit seeks justice for survivors by addressing Uber’s alleged lapses in safety measures. This legal action emphasizes the importance of protecting passengers through robust safety protocols.

Experienced legal representation is crucial in these cases. Skilled attorneys can navigate the complexities of the legal system, ensuring survivors’ rights are upheld and they receive the compensation they deserve.

If you or someone you know faced sexual misconduct or assault by an Uber driver, you may qualify to file a lawsuit.

Reach out to us today for more information or take the Instant Qualifying Quiz now to see if you qualify in under two minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Sue Uber If I Was Sexually Assaulted by a Driver?

Yes, if you were sexually assaulted or faced other misconduct while using Uber, you may be able to file a lawsuit. Contact our law firm for a free consultation or use the Instant Qualifying Quiz on this page to check your eligibility.

How Many People Have Sued Uber for Sexual Assault?

As of the most recent filings, nearly 150 sexual assault cases have been consolidated into the Uber Sexual Assault MDL. Many additional cases are expected to be added. If you believe you have a claim, contact us for assistance.

What Types of Sexual Assault and Misconduct Can Lead to a Claim?

You may qualify to file a claim for incidents such as:

• Inappropriate sexual contact

• Forced sexual activity

• Non-consensual penetration or rape

• Non-consensual touching

• Non-consensual kissing

• Indecent exposure

• Abduction or kidnapping involving sexual abuse or threats

• Other forms of sexual misconduct.

Can I Sue Uber If the Perpetrator Was Criminally Charged?

Yes, you can file a civil lawsuit against Uber even if the perpetrator faced criminal charges. Criminal cases are brought by the state, while civil lawsuits focus on compensating victims for damages caused by negligence. Contact us for guidance on your potential case.

How Long Do I Have to File an Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit?

The time to file a lawsuit depends on the state where the incident occurred, with statutes of limitations typically ranging from 2 to 10 years. Consult our experienced attorneys to understand the deadlines that apply to your case.

If you’ve experienced sexual assault in an Uber, as a passenger or driver, please contact Eric Cardenas LAW for a free consultation to explore your legal options.