Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. is one of the most sought-after Uber and Lyft sexual assault law firms in the country. With over a 50 year history and over 165 years of combined attorney experience, our team of award-winning attorneys have successfully handled thousands of cases, including many sexual assaults against Uber and Lyft. If you were sexually assaulted or raped using Lyft, Uber, or another rideshare service, you need a law firm experienced and prepared to advocate for your rights to aggressively bring the liable parties to justice. Our knowledgeable and experienced Uber and Lyft sexual assault lawyers at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. are here to help you get through these difficult times and secure the compensation you are entitled to.
Our team has collectively handled thousands of cases and recovered more than $300 million in settlements and trial verdicts. With a reputation for compassion and integrity, you can rely on us to guide you through the claims process and ensure those responsible are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. In fact, our attorneys are active members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Club, have been selected for inclusion in National Trial Lawyers “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” in the Nation, have achieved “Superlawyers” status, and are continuously selected as “Best Lawyers” ® by US News & World Report. Contact our office for a free consultation today and learn more about how we can demand justice in your case.
Recent Uber and Lyft Sexual Assault Incidents
Uber reported receiving almost 6,000 complaints of sexual assault involving their drivers or passengers in 2017 and 2018. The rate of serious sexual assault incidents went down from 2017 to 2018, but reporting rates for sexual violence and misconduct are low, so this doesn’t necessarily mean the service has gotten any safer. And it’s not just passengers who need to be wary. In nearly half of these incidents, the person accused of sexual assault was actually the passenger, and the driver the victim.
Lyft once had a better reputation than Uber regarding sexual assault cases, but that has begun to change. Dozens of women have filed recent lawsuits against Lyft, alleging that the company did not do enough to prevent sexual assault, and in some cases, that the company did little or nothing in response to their reports of such incidents.
What constitutes sexual misconduct during An Uber or Lyft ride?
Sexual misconduct during an Uber or Lyft ride can range from harassment, to unwanted touching or kissing or even rape or sexual assault. Other forms of sexual misconduct may also include masturbation, sexual propositioning, or verbal threats of assault. Sadly, it currently appears that Uber does not even include these types of incidents in their reporting of sexual assault involving their service, although the definition of assault requires only the fear of imminent harm and does not preclude non-physical altercations from being considered assault. Actual physical harm to a victim, if it occurs, typically becomes the separate crime of battery. No matter the type of sexual misconduct, it is likely actionable against the company.
Can you sue Uber as a passenger if another passenger sexually assaults you?
Yes, under certain circumstances. For example, if the other passenger is exhibiting behavior that should cause the driver to have concern for another passenger’s safety, then the driving needs to notify law enforcement and demand that the other passenger leave the vehicle immediately. As such, if you are sexually assaulted during an Uber or Lyft ride, you may be able to claim compensation, even if the assailant was a fellow passenger. Uber and Lyft have a legal obligation to keep passengers (and drivers) safe during the provision of their services. Because Uber and Lyft as companies have a legal duty to only recruit and work with qualified drivers, they may be held responsible if a known offender is allowed to become a driver on their behalf. The assailant may also be sued directly.
Common Damages In Uber or Lyft Sexual Assault Cases
The victim of an Uber or Lyft sexual assault incident may be entitled to receive damages for their ordeal. What types of damages you may be entitled to depend on the particulars of your case, but a victim may be qualified to receive any or all of:
- Compensation for medical bills relating to the incident
- Compensation for the cost of mental health treatment
- Compensation for lost wages
- Pain and suffering and related noneconomic damages.
Average Settlement for an Uber or Lyft Sexual Assault Case
The value of a sexual assault claim against Uber or Lyft is difficult to predict with a high level of certainty, but we can consider some generalities regarding these types of cases. Your claim will depend on the specific circumstances of your case and your injuries, but sexual assault victims are frequently found to be entitled to significant financial compensation. An average value may actually be misleading due to a few extremely high-dollar settlements skewing the average, but a typical assault or battery claim against a corporation is generally a significant injury with a high value.
The amount of damages you can claim will depend on what your injuries and costs were. For example, you would be entitled to payment of your medical bills and mental health treatments relating to an incident that Uber or Lyft is held responsible for, and you may be awarded significant additional compensation for your pain and suffering or severe emotional distress.
Contact Our Leading Uber and Lyft Sexual Assault Layers for Help Today
Take back control of your life and hold the liable party accountable by having our top-rated Uber and Lyft sexual assault lawyers at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. advocating for you.
We have received top recognition in the legal industry, including being named as Super Lawyers ® and achieving a Martindale Hubbell AV Rating, which only 10% of attorneys hold. As leading litigation attorneys in rideshare accident claims, we have the unique experience needed to bring those responsible to justice. With over 165 years of collective attorney experience and a reputation for winning, you can rest easier knowing our firm is protecting your rights. Contact our team through our quick contact form or phone at 877–233–1238 to schedule your 100% free and confidential consultation today.
