Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit Settlement Guide

Get Justice for Sexual Assault Claims With Expert Legal Guidance

An Uber sexual assault lawsuit settlement can provide both closure and monetary compensation. As every case is different, your Uber sexual assault settlement will depend on things like the available evidence, the type of assault that occurred, and the available liability insurance.

If you experienced sexual assault by an Uber driver or passenger, you don’t have to go through this alone. Our compassionate sexual abuse attorneys are available 24/7 to review your case and explore your legal options. Contact us today for a free consultation. 

Rideshare Sexual Assault Statistics

Rideshare drivers have a history of sexually assaulting passengers. In some cases, this is sexual harassment, like inappropriate text messages or sexually-charged conversations, while in other cases it involves non-consensual sexual penetration.

The rideshare company Uber Technologies began releasing safety reports in 2017, and the most recent one covers 2021 to 2022. This report claims that 2,717 people suffered sexual assault during an Uber ride in that year, significantly down from 5,981 in 2017 to 2018. 

Of the perpetrators, 31% were riders while 68% were drivers. Only 1% of rideshare sexual abuse claims were against third parties, like other drivers. 

However, these statistics may not represent the full scope of sexual misconduct related to the Uber app, as these are only the reported incidents. 63% of sexual assaults are not reported to police due to fear, stigma, or shame.  

Current Uber-related sexual assault litigation can highlight the scope of the issue. Over 1,600 sexual assault victims have joined a multidistrict litigation (MDL) lawsuit in a California state court against the company for failing to implement adequate safety measures. 

While Uber sought to block this class action lawsuit due to fine print in its terms, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer in the Northern District of California determined that this was unenforceable. The Uber sexual assault MDL is still ongoing, with appeals filed in March 2025. 

The company also settled with the California Public Utilities Commission and the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network for $9 million for failing to respond to demands for accurate statistics on sexual assault related to its platform. 

Why Pursue a Settlement in an Uber Sexual Assault Case?

In rideshare sexual assault cases, a settlement allows you to seek compensation for your damages without a jury trial. Many victims find the court process intimidating, even with compassionate legal counsel, and may want to avoid sharing their story in public. By working with our Uber lawyers on a settlement, you will not have to testify publicly.

Settlements also give you a better chance of receiving compensation, even if it is less than what you might receive from a jury verdict. With an Uber lawsuit, you may receive nothing if the court rules against you, making it a risky proposition unless you have a very strong case. 

Lastly, settlements are faster and less expensive than filing an Uber sexual assault lawsuit. Civil legal actions, especially against large companies like Uber, can take years, while a settlement may be completed much faster. This allows you the funds you need to recuperate and move on.

Factors That Influence Settlement Amounts

An experienced lawyer from our firm will negotiate with Uber and its insurance company on your behalf, taking into account the specific factors in your case. Some of these factors include:

• Type of Abuse: Sexual assault is more serious than sexual harassment, so these settlements will usually receive more.
• Severity of Abuse: An Uber sexual assault that involved violence, intimidation, or prolonged confinement will receive more. 
• Documentation: The more evidence that is available, the stronger your case. This is why it is crucial to report the sexual assault to police, even if you decide not to pursue a criminal case.
• Expenses: Your economic damages will be considered in your settlement. Things like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage should be compensated.
• Non-Economic Damages: If the Uber sexual assault caused PTSD, anxiety, depression, or withdrawal from your favorite activities, our attorneys will calculate this into your damages. 
• Insurance Policy: Uber has liability insurance coverage for sexual assault claims. Your Uber sexual assault lawyer will write a policy limit demand letter, which requests that the company provide you with the maximum amount available under its policy. 

Confidentiality in Settlements

Unlike an Uber sexual assault lawsuit, settlements are confidential. While the company eliminated its non-disclosure agreement (NDA) requirement for sexual assault cases, they may still ask you to sign a confidentiality agreement if you settle out of court. 

Uber’s Responsibility and Liability in Sexual Assault Cases

The Illinois Supreme Court case Doe v. Lyft represented a turning point in rideshare passenger sexual assault litigation. A woman was sexually assaulted by a Lyft driver and accused the company of negligent hiring. While the case settled out of court, it opened up a larger conversation about sexual abuse and misconduct by rideshare drivers. 

During the case, the Transportation Network Provider Act was introduced, enforcing stricter liability on companies like Lyft and Uber Technologies (625 ILCS §57/1). In 2023, a law was passed that made rideshare companies common carriers, similar to limos and taxis (HB2231). 

Uber’s Duty of Care to Passengers

Uber has a legal obligation to protect passengers and drivers from sexual misconduct and to intervene if it believes passengers may be in danger. If Uber failed to protect you, then this can be grounds for a lawsuit. 

Negligent Hiring and Retention of Drivers

The law requires rideshare companies to conduct thorough background checks on any independent contractor before allowing them to use the app (625 ILCS §57/15). 

Additionally, they must respond quickly to any reported sexual assaults. This can include banning Uber passengers or drivers, helping victims report to police, and offering resources for those who have experienced sexual abuse. 

Inadequate Safety Measures and Response Protocols

Uber has a process in place to address safety concerns, allowing drivers and passengers to report issues directly through their app. However, they may not respond appropriately to allegations. 

For example, if someone reports that a driver touched a sexual body part, the complaint may not be filed or investigated as it should. This can make the company liable and offer grounds for a sexual assault lawsuit. 

Our Rideshare Sexual Assault Settlements

Our law firm has successfully earned millions of dollars in compensation through rideshare sexual assault lawsuits. Some of our settlements include the following. 

• $2,000,000 after a driver followed a passenger and sexually assaulted her in her home
• $1,900,000 for a woman stalked by a rideshare driver
• Seven figures for a woman who was attacked by a driver with a previous history of sexual abuse. Uber failed to remove the driver from the platform despite being aware of these concerns. 

Steps to Take After an Uber Sexual Assault

You must take immediate action after inappropriate sexual contact with an Uber driver or passenger. Not only will this ensure your safety, but it can also significantly impact future Uber sexual assault litigation. Follow these steps as soon as possible.

Prioritize Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention

After a sexual assault, you should immediately visit the closest emergency room and request a SANE exam. This is a forensic exam done by a specially trained nurse, which will gather evidence for a potential criminal case. Your Uber sexual assault lawyer can also use this information in a civil case.

By law, Illinois hospitals are required to provide emergency services to sexual assault survivors or to transfer them to a different hospital for care if they cannot do so (410 ILCS §70/1). They should also treat any physical injuries from the assault and provide you with treatment like emergency contraceptives or STD testing. 

Reporting the Assault to Law Enforcement

Chicago hospitals, such as UChicago Medicine or Northwestern Memorial Hospital, are required to interview victims, report the assault to police, and provide information to the Illinois Department of Public Health (§4-6-170). The hospital staff can also provide essential support during a police interview.

When you report the Uber sexual assault to the Chicago Police Department, a trained sex crimes detective will ask you for details about what happened. They may require you to pick out the Uber driver or passenger from a photo lineup, then seek out specific information like what the car looked like to verify that you are telling the truth. 

Once you have completed the police interview, contact an Uber sexual assault lawyer so that we can begin our investigation. 

Preserving Evidence

If you complete a SANE exam, they may ask you to provide your clothing for forensic testing, including your underclothing or anything that the perpetrator may have touched. You should preserve any other clothing that you may have been wearing, as well as any items that were with you during the sexual assault.

In addition to this, take photos of any injuries and preserve communications in the Uber app. This can include any messages from the Uber driver, confirmation of your ride, and reports you may have filed with the company. 

Reporting the Assault to Uber

You should always report an Uber sexual assault to the company. On the app, tap the blue shield to access the Safety Toolkit, where you can report accidents or safety issues. You can also report through the Uber website or call the Safety Hotline at 1-800-285-6172.

When you report the sexual assault, provide details such as the driver’s name and vehicle, where the attack happened, and what exactly occurred. The company’s safety team should follow up with you to ask for more details or explain the next steps. 

Seeking Support from Friends, Family, or Support Organizations

An Uber sexual assault can be extremely traumatic, resulting in issues like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or depression. In addition to pursuing an Uber sexual assault lawsuit, seek support from your friends and family to help you recover.

Many victims often feel stigma or shame about being sexually assaulted, but it was not their fault. You can reach out to local organizations like Resilience, a local victims’ advocacy organization, or reach out to the Chicago Police Department’s Victim Services team. 

When you pursue an Uber assault lawsuit with our law firm, we always prioritize your comfort and safety. We can direct you to additional resources while guiding you through the legal process. 

Building a Strong Case for an Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit Settlement

Whether we sue Uber or seek justice through negotiation, our attorneys will build a strong case for you based on all available evidence. This process includes the following. 

Gathering Evidence

For an Uber sexual assault lawsuit, you will need ample evidence to prove that the company is liable. This evidence can include:

• App communications, like ride requests
• Medical records
• Police reports
• Photos and videos of your injuries
• Physical evidence, like clothes and personal property
• Surveillance footage

Working with Expert Witnesses

Expert witnesses can establish the impact of the Uber sexual assault on your life, such as anxiety and depression. Our attorneys can speak to therapists, medical professionals, and rape victim advocates to learn more about how this may have impacted you. 

Documenting the Impact of the Assault on Your Life

Strong documentation is crucial for a rideshare assault lawsuit. Keep track of your financial losses, such as hospital bills and therapy copays, and document the impact on your physical and emotional well-being. Photos of injuries, diary entries about how you feel, and interviews with family members can all prove how this experience has changed your life.

Negotiating with Uber’s Legal Team

Once we have all available evidence, our experienced lawyers will negotiate with Uber. This involves writing a demand letter, then reviewing their counteroffer. This process continues until all parties come to an agreement about a fair settlement, or until we choose to pursue an Uber sexual assault lawsuit instead. 

Compensation in Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit Settlements

You may receive a variety of damages in a sexual assault case. These are meant to compensate you for hard financial losses and acknowledge the severe emotional impact of sexual abuse. Some common damages for these types of sexual assault lawsuits include the following. 

Medical Expenses (Past and Future)

Any medical expenses should be covered by the company, including emergency room visits, therapy, counseling, and medications. 

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

Many victims have to take time off work to heal after an assault, and some may find themselves unable to work while they cope with their trauma. This should all be considered in your settlement package. 

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering can compensate you for the physical harm caused by the assault, such as bruising or broken bones. 

Emotional Distress and Psychological Trauma

Sexual abuse can have profound impacts on a person’s mental health, including issues like nightmares, generalized anxiety, PTSD, and depression. Through documentation like psychological exams, we can calculate these damages and demand them in your settlement. 

Punitive Damages (In Certain Cases)

If your Uber sexual assault lawsuit goes to trial, a jury may award punitive damages. These are meant to punish the company for failing to protect you. 

Why Choose Our Firm to Handle Your Uber Sexual Assault Case?

We understand that pursuing an Uber sexual assault lawsuit can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help. Our trauma-informed and compassionate lawyers will guide you every step of the way, helping you feel confident in sharing your story. 

Experience and Success in Handling Ridesharing Assault Cases

Our law firm has over 25 years of experience in personal injury law, and we’re ready to fight for you. We have secured multi-million-dollar settlements for other clients in rideshare lawsuits, such as $2,000,000 for a woman who was attacked by a driver. Through our aggressive advocacy, we can ensure the best possible outcome for your case. 

A Client-Centered and Trauma-Informed Approach

Trauma can make it challenging to cope with everyday life, much less pursue a sexual assault lawsuit. Our trauma-informed lawyers understand the struggles that survivors face and are firmly committed to preserving your mental well-being. We will protect your privacy, handle all third-party communication, and direct you to additional resources that will help you heal. 

Aggressive Advocacy to Hold Uber Accountable

Insurance companies nationwide fear Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers due to our aggressive advocacy and powerful negotiation skills. We will not rest until we have secured maximum compensation for our clients. Thanks to our extensive resources and thorough investigations, we can hold companies accountable and ensure they pay their fair share. 

No Fee Unless We Win Your Case

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing unless we secure compensation for you. This ensures that everyone, regardless of their financial means, can access world-class legal representation.

Consult a Rideshare Sexual Assault Attorney Near You!

If you have been sexually assaulted in an Uber, we’re ready to fight for you. Our lawyers have over 100 years of combined legal experience and have secured over $450 million in compensation for our clients.To schedule your free consultation with an experienced Uber assault attorney, call us at (888) 424-5757 or use our online contact form.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.