Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit

There is currently an ongoing Uber sexual assault litigation, a large-scale, multidistrict legal action involving numerous cases and court proceedings addressing passenger safety and holding Uber accountable for systemic negligence.

This article discusses:

Everything survivors need to know following an assault
An overview of the latest court filings and litigation status of active cases
The process of discovery disputes and trial preparations

If you or a loved one suffered sexual assault due to the egregious actions of an Uber driver, contact Attorney Jeff to learn how you can pursue legal action to hold the driver and rideshare company accountable.

During a free consultation, an experienced Uber accident attorney from our law firm will explain how claims work, who is eligible to file a sexual assault claim, what compensation may be available, and how legal action helps survivors pursue justice.

Key Takeaways of Ongoing Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuits
Why Survivors Should File Civil Lawsuits and Press Just Criminal Charges
What You Need to Know About California’s Uber Sexual Assault Laws
Who Can File a California Uber Sexual Assault Claim?
What Can Be Compensated in an Uber Sexual Assault Case?
How To Report an Incident with an Uber Driver
How Legal Representation Will Strengthen Your Claim

The Current State of California Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuits

Understanding Your Rights, Legal Options, and the Path to Justice

Sexual assault is one of the most traumatic experiences a person can face, and for survivors, the aftermath can feel overwhelming—physically, emotionally, and legally. When this type of sexual violence or violence of any nature occurs, liability should fall on the rideshare companies, as it is their responsibility to ensure passenger safety.

The prevalence of Uber sexual violence and other sexual assault reports highlights the urgent need to address these safety concerns immediately. Uber’s own safety report and sexual assault statistics reveal the scale of the problem, highlighting the importance of legal action and regulatory oversight.

In California, survivors of Uber sexual assault have the legal right to pursue compensation and hold negligent companies accountable. State law offers expanded protections to survivors, and the legal landscape is rapidly evolving with new lawsuits, national litigation, and public scrutiny surrounding Uber’s safety practices.

Key Takeaways of Ongoing Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuits

Uber’s legal team is actively involved in settlement negotiations, and the potential for an Uber sexual assault settlement is a key part of the process.
The Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit includes many claims from individuals sexually assaulted by Uber drivers, leading to a broader Uber assault lawsuit filed nationwide. This consolidation occurred in October 2023.
The litigation, officially titled the Uber Technologies, Passenger Sexual Assault Litigation MDL No. 3084, was consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
This is a multidistrict litigation (MDL), which is different from a class action lawsuit. In an MDL, individual claims are consolidated for pretrial proceedings but remain separate, allowing for customized settlements, unlike a class action lawsuit, where claims are handled collectively.
The legal process includes key procedural steps, such as submitting a joint case management statement and participating in a case management conference to coordinate trial sequencing and settlement strategies.
Uber’s sexual assault litigation process will include bellwether trials, with the first bellwether trial scheduled to test the strength of plaintiffs’ claims and set benchmarks for potential outcomes.

Recent Updates for 2025

Uber is currently facing thousands of sexual assault lawsuits in state and federal courts, including high-profile cases being heard in San Francisco Superior Court and California state court, with many consolidated into multidistrict litigation.
The primary accusation is that Uber failed to implement sufficient safety measures and adequate background checks, which is a substantial factor in causing harm to Uber passengers.
In a recent decision, the court ruled on key aspects of the litigation, while in another instance, the court rejected certain claims brought by plaintiffs, shaping the ongoing legal landscape. Uber argued that its existing safety protocols were sufficient and that it should not be held liable for the actions of independent drivers.
Coverage by a New York Times investigation has brought additional public scrutiny to Uber’s handling of sexual assault cases, and the House Oversight Subcommittee has launched an inquiry into the company’s safety practices and transparency.

The Rising Crisis of California Uber Sexual Assault Cases

California was the birthplace of Uber and remains one of its largest markets. With millions of rides each year, the state has seen a disproportionate number of passenger safety incidents, including reports of non-consensual touching, harassment, attempted rape, and sexual assault.

Serious sexual assault and inappropriate comments are frequently reported by Uber passengers as part of the spectrum of misconduct that occurs during rides. Uber drivers have been accused of sexually assaulting passengers in such incidents, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and reform.

Preventing sexual misconduct through improved safety measures, such as stricter driver screening and in-car safety features, is critical to protecting passengers and reducing the frequency of such incidents.

Uber’s own safety transparency reports show thousands of reported sexual assaults nationwide across multiple categories. Advocacy groups argue that the real number is much higher due to under-reporting.

Why California Is Uniquely Impacted

Large, dense urban areas, such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, rely heavily on rideshare transportation.
Late-night transportation, nightlife, and tourism increase the vulnerability of riders.
California’s gig-economy structure has raised questions about driver screening and accountability.
The state is home to a significant percentage of national Uber drivers, increasing overall risk.

When sexual assault occurs during an Uber ride, survivors often fear that they will face a complex web of legal issues: Is the driver responsible? Is Uber responsible? Can a civil claim move forward if Uber pushes arbitration?

California law provides clearer and stronger answers than most states. An experienced sexual assault attorney can address all of these concerns and more. You are not alone in this.

Why Survivors File Civil Lawsuits and Just Criminal Charges

Many survivors believe they must report the assault criminally before filing a claim. However, an Uber sexual assault lawsuit can be filed while criminal charges against the perpetrator are also pursued.

Criminal proceedings are not filed by the victim of a sexual assault, but are filed by the State. Whereas civil lawsuits aim to compensate victims according to the damages they have incurred as a result of negligence.

The Difference Between a Criminal Case and a Civil Case

Criminal Case	Civil Lawsuit
Prosecuted by the state	Filed by the survivor
Goal: punish the perpetrator	Goal: compensate and empower the survivor
Requires proof “beyond a reasonable doubt”	Requires proof by “preponderance of evidence,” a more achievable standard
Victim is a witness, not decision-maker	Survivor controls the lawsuit and outcome
Penalties include jail, probation	Recovery includes compensation and policy changes

California’s Legal Framework for Uber Sexual Assault Claims

California courts are increasingly willing to scrutinize Uber’s corporate systems, moving away from the view that sexual assaults are merely isolated incidents involving individual drivers. The following specific laws and policies will be relevant in these cases.

California Civil Code and Sexual Assault

Under California Civil Code § 1708.5, sexual assault is a civil wrong (tort), and victims may sue for damages regardless of potential criminal proceedings.

Extended Statute of Limitations

California legislation recently extended the statute of limitations, significantly lengthening the filing period for civil sexual assault claims. Depending on the age of the survivor and the circumstances, if the assault commenced on or after January 1st, 2019, claims may generally be filed:

Within 10 years of the assault
Within 3 years of discovering resulting injuries, such as psychological trauma, PTSD, etc.
At any time for certain childhood sexual assault claims

California has also implemented lookback windows, which provide adult survivors with a three-year period to file civil lawsuits for sexual assaults that took place on or after January 1st, 2009. This allows survivors to pursue claims even if the original statute of limitations has expired.

Holding Corporations as a Whole Liable

Due to the growing demand for rideshare vehicles, Uber prioritized rapid growth over thorough screening and hiring practices. Consequently, survivors can bring claims against the company directly based on:

Negligent hiring
Negligent retention of concerning drivers
Negligent supervision
Negligent failure to warn
Failure to provide adequate safety measures

Who Can File a California Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit?

Any survivor who was assaulted during or immediately following an Uber ride in California may qualify. This may include any of the following:

Passengers assaulted during a trip
Passengers assaulted immediately after drop-off
Individuals assaulted in situations facilitated by the Uber platform
Minors assaulted by Uber drivers
Individuals incapacitated or vulnerable at the time

Assault Types Commonly Involved in Uber Lawsuits

If the assault occurred in connection with the ride, it typically falls under Uber’s duty of care responsibilities to ensure a safe experience for passengers. Therefore, a sexual assault claim can be filed for:

Non-consensual sexual touching
Forced kissing
Exposure or lewd acts
Coerced sexual activity
Rape or attempted rape
Assault while intoxicated or unconscious
Harassment escalating to physical contact
Other sexual misconduct

Why Uber May Be Legally Responsible

Uber has long argued that its drivers are “independent contractors,” not employees, in an attempt to distance itself from liability.

However, rideshare companies may still be indirectly liable for the behavior of their contracted drivers if they fail to uphold their duty of care, thereby highlighting the company’s negligence. This is apparent in the following areas.

Inadequate Background Checks

Survivors who experienced sexual assault have stated that Uber:

Relies on third-party background checks that may miss red flags
Did not screen applicants, such as using fingerprint-based background checks against the Child Abuse Central Index, to protect unaccompanied minors
Failed to identify prior complaints from other passengers

Not Removing Drivers with Prior Complaints

Many lawsuits claim that Uber did not protect passengers by continuing to allow drivers to operate despite earlier reports of misconduct.

Lack of Safety Training and Monitoring

Uber does not require drivers to complete traditional commercial-transportation safety training. Additionally, the rideshare company does not provide thorough monitoring of their drivers when they are performing their duties.

Failure to Implement Proper In-Ride Safety Measures

Several safety features, including RideCheck and emergency buttons, have been implemented. However, criticism of the rideshare companies’ safety precautions to prevent sexual assault is more reactive instead of proactive. For example, Uber does not offer the following:

No real-time monitoring, like mandatory in-car cameras
Inadequate emergency response systems
Lack of transparency about assault history
Stricter identity verification

Evidence Used in California Uber Sexual Assault Cases

To prove liability, it must be established that the sexual assault was ultimately a result of using the Uber app. Uber sexual assault cases often rely on a combination of digital, physical, and testimonial evidence, such as the following:

Uber ride data (GPS logs, timestamps, route information)
Chat messages or calls between the survivor and the driver
App complaint reports
Driver background information
Prior complaints from other riders
Police reports and medical records
Therapist notes, trauma evaluations, psychiatric reports
Eyewitness testimony
Forensic evidence, if applicable

California courts allow medical and mental-health experts to testify about trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and long-term psychological harm.

Legal Challenges Uber Sexual Assault Survivors Often Face

Forced Arbitration and Pressuring Victims to Settle

Uber has historically attempted to push claims into private arbitration instead of open court. However, California courts have:

Rejected many arbitration attempts in sexual assault cases
Supported survivors’ right to sue directly
Ruled that public safety concerns override arbitration in certain contexts

This has opened the door for many Uber sexual assault survivors to pursue legal action fairly and without distress from the other party.

Uber Denying Liability

To avoid liability, Uber’s legal defense can:

Claim safety precautions were taken, but the sexual misconduct was unforeseeable
Argue that the driver’s sexual assault was “outside the scope” of employment
Attempt to shift the blame to the victim due to alcohol consumption and distorted memory

Experienced California Uber sexual assault lawyers know how to counter these defenses and highlight systemic issues.

How the Lawsuit Process Works in California

The legal process for Uber sexual assault lawsuits is complex and requires specialized knowledge. Additionally, Uber’s legal defense team is experienced in defending the company, making strong legal representation essential.

Uber sexual assault lawyers play a critical role in guiding plaintiffs (sexual assault victims) through each step, from filing claims to navigating multidistrict litigation. California sexual assault lawsuits involving assistance from an attorney typically move through the following phases.

1. Confidential Consultation

The initial step involves meeting with an attorney to recount the events, address any concerns, and determine the viability of the sexual assault claim. Additionally, a dedicated legal team will handle all communications with the police, media, and other third parties, shielding clients from additional stress and allowing them to focus on their recovery. Most attorneys offer a free consultation.

2. Evidence Preservation

Attorneys handling Uber sexual assault cases take immediate, proactive steps. They will send preservation notices to the rideshare company to secure ride data. Additionally, they will gather essential documentation, including their client’s medical records, receipts, and device logs, to thoroughly document the survivor’s injuries.

3. Filing the Lawsuit

A formal civil claim against Uber and, potentially, the perpetrator is filed in state or federal court, depending on the legal strategy.

4. Discovery

Both sides exchange evidence during the discovery phase. During this period, the following may be uncovered:

The Uber Driver’s driving and incident history
Uber internal safety communications
Prior reports, like criminal misconduct
Uber’s background check failures

5. Negotiations and Mediation

Many cases settle confidentially instead of going to trial. The goal is to secure maximum compensation without forcing the survivor into a retraumatizing trial. During negotiations, an Uber sexual assault lawyer will seek a fair settlement that addresses the full extent of damages on behalf of their client.

6. Trial (if necessary)

Should Uber decline to offer a reasonable settlement, a committed legal team is prepared to file a sexual assault lawsuit, representing victims in court. This ensures they receive a fair trial before a judge and jury, as they pursue the maximum compensation they are entitled to.

California state law permits plaintiffs who wish to maintain their anonymity to proceed with their cases using pseudonyms, like “Jane Doe.”

Compensation Available in California Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuits

Sexual assault can lead to a broad spectrum of damages, encompassing both economic damages and non-economic damages. It is crucial that these damages are calculated with precision to reflect the total harm you have endured, ensuring you secure the maximum possible compensation. Recoverable losses may include the following.

Economic Damages

All medical bills for the necessary treatment after an Uber assault injury
Psychological therapy and ongoing medical treatment
Crisis counseling
Lost wages during recovery and reduced earning capacity

Non-Economic Damages

Emotional anguish
Pain and suffering—emotionally and/or physically
Anxiety, depression, PTSD
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of safety and trust

2025 Statistics in Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuits

The scope of Uber sexual assault lawsuits has grown dramatically in recent years, highlighting the urgent need for stronger passenger protections and corporate accountability.

Numerous plaintiffs have joined the multidistrict litigation (MDL), and as of November 2025, more than 2,783 lawsuits have been filed against Uber, with survivors alleging a range of sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, harassment, and inappropriate behavior, by Uber drivers.

The MDL is distinct from a traditional Uber class action lawsuit, as each case is handled individually rather than as a single group claim.

These sexual assault lawsuits collectively highlight a disturbing pattern that Uber failed to implement essential safety measures that could have protected passengers from harm.

The core allegations in these sexual assault lawsuits center on Uber’s prioritization of rapid expansion over rider safety. Plaintiffs argue that Uber’s background checks, driver monitoring, and in-app safety features were inadequate, allowing drivers with histories of misconduct to remain on the platform.

The Influence of National Uber Litigation on California Claims

Multiple survivors across the U.S. have filed lawsuits, alleging that Uber failed to protect riders, as proper background checks and screening could have ultimately prevented sexual assault. These cases highlight systemic patterns that strengthen California’s claims.

Key themes from national litigation include:

Repeated incidents involving the same drivers
Uber is failing to warn passengers of prior complaints
Alleged corporate negligence in screening and supervision
Misleading public safety representations

California attorneys frequently use evidence and precedent from these national cases to bolster California-specific lawsuits.

Uber Has Made Safety Feature Updates, But They Are Not Enough

In response to lawsuits and public criticism, Uber has introduced several safety features, playing a major role in pushing Uber toward genuine safety reform. Updates include the following:

In-app emergency button
RideCheck (detects long stops or route deviations)
Enhanced driver background checks
Two-way ratings
Anonymized phone numbers
Mandatory sexual-misconduct education videos

While positive, critics argue:

Many changes came after thousands of assaults
Features may not meaningfully prevent driver misconduct
Uber still lacks real-time monitoring
Assault reporting tools remain inadequate
Background checks still rely on self-reported information

What Uber Sexual Assault Survivors Can Do to Seek Justice

A rideshare app provides an avenue for filing reports of sexual abuse against a driver. In addition to this, it is recommended that the following steps be taken to help ensure the incident is thoroughly documented and that victims’ rights are protected.

While initial steps don’t require a sexual assault lawyer, filing a civil lawsuit for damages against a rideshare company means statements given to the company or police could be unfairly used against victims by the company’s legal team.

1. File a Report with Uber

To file a report with Uber, log in to the Uber rideshare app or go to the website. From either online location, you can submit a report by taking the following steps:

Click the Help link.
Choose Riders on their webpage and then select Help With a Trip or click the link directly through the app.
In the app, choose the trip where the sexual assault incidents occurred, or I Have Feedback About my Driver or Vehicle on their webpage.
Choose Report Safety Issue on your trip’s detail page or My Driver’s Behavior Made me Feel Unsafe on the Uber webpage.

2. File a Report with Law Enforcement

When evidence of sexual abuse is present, you should contact the authorities immediately. Filing a report with law enforcement is critical if you wish to pursue criminal charges. Evidence collected after the incident can be used in a criminal case against the Uber driver.

Prosecuting attorneys where an Uber sexual assault has occurred will determine the appropriate criminal charges to file against the driver.

3. Contact an Uber Sexual Assault Attorney

A sexual assault lawyer with Williams, Hart & Boundas will discuss your options for filing a civil lawsuit against Uber or another rideshare company in Houston. We strive to play a vital role in helping individuals experiencing sexual assault to take legal action.

By seeking compensation, each individual can pursue the financial relief they need to heal from the trauma of sexual abuse. We can also assist with filing reports with Uber and local law enforcement, protecting your best interests throughout the process.

If you have been a victim of a violent crime committed by an Uber driver, please know that you are not alone in this often isolating experience. Our personal injury attorneys are ready to champion your rights and dignity.

We recognize the profound devastation caused by such violent acts and are committed to holding perpetrators accountable by demanding compensation for your injuries through a civil lawsuit.

How Attorney Jeff Will Strengthen Your Claim

If you have been sexually assaulted in an Uber, the thought of pursuing legal action can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with intense emotional distress, physical injuries, and the prospect of reliving the trauma.

An experienced Uber accident lawyer can provide compassionate, confidential, and aggressive legal representation for survivors of sexual assault, including those involving rideshare companies.

At Attorney Jeff, our law firm understands the unique challenges these cases present and is equipped with the experience and resources to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve, providing survivors with the following benefits.

Free and Confidential Consultation

Coming forward is difficult. Your confidential, free initial consultation offers a safe, judgment-free space. We use a trauma-informed approach to understand your experience, explain your legal options, and prioritize your well-being with empathy and respect.

Meticulous Investigation

Building a strong rideshare sexual assault claim against a corporate giant like Uber demands a strategic investigation. Our team, comprised of former federal agents and prosecutors, uses their extensive investigative experience to meticulously gather critical evidence. This can involve:

Securing Uber ride data, including GPS records and communication logs
Identifying and interviewing potential witnesses
Obtaining and analyzing surveillance footage, if available
Reviewing the driver’s background check and Uber’s internal policies
Working with medical and psychological personnel to document injuries and trauma
Analyzing Uber’s safety reports and internal communications to identify patterns of negligence

Our Uber sexual assault attorneys conduct deep investigations, leaving no detail overlooked. We scrutinize every piece of evidence to build the strongest possible claim for your accountability.

Navigating Complex Legal Proceedings in the Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit

Rideshare sexual assault lawsuits against Uber are legally complex, often debating Uber’s liability as a platform versus an employer, its terms of service, and corporate responsibility. Our legal team provides comprehensive support in Uber sexual assault cases, focusing on your recovery and justice:

File a Civil Claim: We will file a thorough civil lawsuit against Uber and potentially the perpetrator.
Negotiate a Fair Settlement: We engage with Uber’s legal team to negotiate a settlement that fully addresses your damages.
Represent You in Court: If a settlement is not reached, we will represent your interests before a judge and jury, ensuring your voice is heard.
Manage External Communications: We handle all communications with the police, media, and other third parties, shielding you from stress so you can focus on your recovery.

Seeking the Maximum Uber Sexual Assault Settlement

Sexual assault causes extensive economic and non-economic damages. We ensure you receive maximum compensation by accurately calculating the full extent of your harm, including:

Medical Bills and Expenses: Costs for emergency room visits and ongoing medical treatment for physical injuries from sexual assault by Uber drivers

Psychological Therapy and Counseling: Compensation to cover mental health treatment for emotional trauma like PTSD, anxiety, and depression

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Lost wages, including income lost during recovery and any future earning capacity reduction

Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages cover the physical, emotional, and psychological impact of the assault

Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the diminished quality of life caused by the trauma victims suffered from their Uber drivers

Punitive Damages: To punish the company and deter future misconduct if Uber’s conduct is found to be egregious or reckless

Our compassionate legal team advocates for sexual assault survivors. If an Uber driver assaulted you, legal action is about acknowledging your profound harm, facilitating healing, and holding Uber and its officials accountable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I sue Uber if the assault happened after the ride ended?

Yes, if the assault occurred at any point in a situation facilitated by the rideshare, California courts can find Uber liable. Seeking a free consultation with an attorney is the first step toward seeking justice and obtaining all the necessary information to pursue legal action.

What is the Uber sexual assault scandal?

The Uber sexual assault scandal centers on thousands of sexual assault and harassment reports made by passengers against Uber drivers. Although Uber was reportedly aware of these incidents, lawsuits allege the company:

Neglected to implement adequate safety measures to protect Uber passengers.
Failed to properly vet drivers, which included not requiring fingerprinting before onboarding them onto the platform.
Permitted drivers with documented histories of abuse to continue their employment.

What types of sexual assault incidents qualify for the Uber Sexual Assault MDL?

If you have been sexually assaulted by an Uber driver, we strongly advise you to contact one of our attorneys immediately. All sexual assault incidents involving an Uber driver may qualify for inclusion in the Uber Multi-District Litigation (MDL). We can discuss filing an Uber sexual assault lawsuit within the MDL.

What is the Uber Technologies Multidistrict Litigation (Uber MDL)?

The Uber Technologies Multidistrict Litigation (Uber MDL) is a nationwide legal proceeding where rideshare passengers are seeking compensation for alleged sexual assaults. MDLs enable plaintiffs with similar claims to jointly pursue them, streamlining the process and reducing costs for all parties involved.

What are victims’ rights if an Uber driver assaults them?

If an Uber driver sexually assaulted you, you have the right to hold Uber fully accountable. As of August 1, 2025, Uber faces thousands of sexual assault lawsuits from riders alleging assault by their drivers. If your lawyer can prove Uber’s responsibility for a sexual assault by one of its drivers, you are entitled to fair compensation for all resulting financial and non-financial harm.

You Are Not Alone—Our Attorneys Are Here for Uber Sexual Assault Victims

California’s legal system has become one of the strongest in the nation for survivors of sexual assault, especially in cases involving rideshare companies like Uber. The law recognizes that survivors deserve protection, accountability, and meaningful compensation for the harm they endured.

If you or someone you love was sexually assaulted during an Uber ride in California, you may have a powerful civil claim—not just against the driver, but potentially against Uber itself.

Your voice matters. Your experience matters. And you deserve justice.

A confidential consultation can help you understand your rights and take the next step toward healing and accountability. You are not alone. Jeff’s got you.