Millions of people use rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft every day. They’re supposed to make transportation safer, easier, and more affordable. But for some passengers and drivers, a routine trip has turned into a nightmare.
From serious car accidents to sexual assaults during rides, victims across the United States are speaking out. Many are now pursuing lawsuits to hold rideshare companies accountable for failing to protect riders and drivers from harm.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a rideshare accident or experienced sexual assault in a ride arranged through Uber, Lyft, or another app, you may be entitled to compensation. This article explains—in straightforward terms—what you can do.
Rideshare Safety Concerns
Although Uber and Lyft market themselves as safe, several issues have been widely reported:
Car Accidents: Distracted driving, reckless driving, and long hours behind the wheel can lead to crashes that injure passengers, drivers, and others on the road.
Sexual Assaults and Harassment: Reports show that thousands of riders—mostly women—have been sexually assaulted by drivers in the U.S. in recent years. In some cases, drivers themselves have also been attacked by passengers.
Background Checks and Oversight: Lawsuits argue that rideshare companies failed to conduct proper background checks, ignored red flags, or did not act quickly when complaints were filed.
According to Uber’s own U.S. Safety Report, nearly 10,000 reports of sexual assault were logged between 2017 and 2019. Lyft has also faced lawsuits over widespread reports of sexual assault by drivers.
Types of Legal Cases Against Rideshare Companies
1. Car Accidents
If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you may be able to recover damages. Common situations include:
A rideshare driver causes a crash while you are a passenger.
Another driver crashes into your Uber or Lyft vehicle.
You are a pedestrian, cyclist, or motorist hit by a rideshare vehicle.
Uber and Lyft carry $1 million in liability insurance that may cover injuries to passengers and others—but getting full compensation often requires legal help.
2. Sexual Assault and Harassment
Victims of sexual assault or harassment by a rideshare driver may bring lawsuits for:
Failing to screen or monitor drivers properly
Ignoring prior complaints or warning signs
Misleading passengers about safety protections
Negligence in designing app features (such as lacking an effective emergency alert system)
These cases often seek compensation for medical expenses, therapy, emotional trauma, lost wages, and in some cases, punitive damages to punish the company.
3. Wrongful Death
In the most tragic cases, rideshare accidents or assaults have led to loss of life. Families may pursue wrongful death claims to recover funeral costs, lost financial support, and justice for their loved one.
What You Can Recover
Depending on the case, damages may include:
Medical costs (hospital bills, ongoing treatment, therapy)
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
Counseling and trauma support (especially in sexual assault cases)
Property damage (car repairs, personal items)
Punitive damages (to punish companies for negligence)
Why Victims Are Filing Lawsuits
Lawsuits argue that Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies put profits before safety. Key allegations include:
Failure to conduct thorough background checks
Allowing drivers with criminal records or prior complaints to stay on the platform
Not warning riders about the risks
Marketing rides as “safe” without taking adequate steps to prevent harm
By filing lawsuits, survivors and accident victims are sending a message: companies must do better to protect riders and drivers.
Real-World Stories
These lawsuits aren’t theoretical—they’re happening across the U.S. and making headlines:
In 2022, more than 500 women filed lawsuits against Uber, claiming they were sexually assaulted by drivers. The cases argue Uber failed to screen, monitor, or respond adequately to reports of abuse.
Lyft has faced similar litigation, with riders alleging the company ignored patterns of sexual assault. In 2023, a group of survivors accused Lyft of doing “next to nothing” to protect passengers despite years of warnings.
Families of victims killed in rideshare crashes have filed wrongful death lawsuits, alleging that Uber and Lyft failed to enforce adequate safety standards for their drivers.
These cases show that victims can—and do—stand up to large corporations, often leading to major settlements or safety reforms.
What Taking Legal Action Involves
If you’re thinking about filing a lawsuit, here’s what typically happens:
Free Consultation: We offer a confidential, no-cost review of your situation.
Case Investigation: Our lawyers gather evidence—police reports, medical records, witness statements, app data from Uber/Lyft.
Filing a Claim: A lawsuit is filed against Uber, Lyft, the driver, or all parties responsible.
Negotiation or Trial: Many cases result in settlements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I sue the driver or the company?
Often both. Drivers may be directly responsible, but lawsuits also target Uber or Lyft for failing to screen or monitor drivers.
What if I reported the incident but nothing happened?
That inaction strengthens your case. Companies that ignore reports can be held liable for negligence.
How much does it cost?
Most rideshare cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront and we are only paid if we win compensation for you.
What if the assault or accident happened years ago?
Depending on the state, you may still have time to file. Statutes of limitations vary, but some states have extended deadlines for sexual assault cases.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Evidence disappears: App records, messages, and camera footage can be lost if not preserved quickly.
Deadlines apply: States have strict time limits for filing lawsuits. Waiting too long can bar your claim.
Protecting others: By acting now, you can help prevent future assaults and accidents by forcing companies to change.
Taking Action
Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies have transformed how we travel—but safety failures have left thousands of people injured, assaulted, or worse. Victims have legal rights, and lawsuits are one way to demand accountability, compensation, and reform.
The Lake Law Firm provides a dedicateda dedicated team of attorneys committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered. We advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 274-0139 or submit an inquiry on this page.
