Uber and Lyft are enormous ridesharing companies that have grown to operate in the entire United States and abroad. When operating a company of this caliber, it is important to ensure that all safety procedures for drivers and passengers are adhered to closely. Unfortunately, Uber and Lyft have shown that they have difficulty performing thorough background checks on drivers that work for their company. If you or a family member was sexually assaulted by an Uber or Lyft driver, contact an experienced Philadelphia sexual assault attorney today.
At the Reiff Law Firm, we know that an incident of sexual assault can not only injure a person but leave them with severe emotional distress, and we are here to fight for you in your time of need. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, contact us at (215) 709-6940, or contact us online.
Determining Liability for Sexual Assault by an Uber or Lyft Driver
Uber and Lyft provide ridesharing services across the United States and likely average close to a million rides a day. However, each of these companies fails to provide consistent data regarding the amount of sexual assault or abuse incidents that occur during their rides. In 2018, drivers for Uber were accused of committing at least 100 sexual assaults.
As a method to hide the number of sexual assaults that place when passengers use their platform, Uber and Lyft have utilized confidentiality agreements for many victims of sexual assaults.
Determining liability for a sexual assault committed by an Uber or Lyft driver can be difficult. There is number of ways to determine whether Uber or Lyft can be held liable for a car accident caused by a driver. For example, if the driver was in the midst of picking up a passenger, a passenger can be completely covered by either company’s insurance policy. However, Uber or Lyft do not have similar protocols for when a person is sexually assaulted by one of their drivers.
Individuals that drive for Uber or Lyft are considered to be independent contractors. This means that their employer cannot be held liable for tortious actions they commit in several circumstances. However, if a driver sexually assaults a passenger when they should have been performing their work duties, this may leave an employer open to liability for an incident of assault.
It is also important to note that drivers for Uber or Lyft do not receive any training tailored towards preventing sexual assault and safeguarding their passenger. Drivers only need to meet the vehicle requirements, agree to the community guidelines, and pass a minimal background check.
If you were sexually assaulted by your Uber or Lyft driver and you wish to file a lawsuit, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney today.
What to Do if an Uber / Lyft Driver Sexually Assaulted You
If Uber or Lyft driver sexually assaults you or attempts to assault you, your top priority is to try to get to safety and get help. Uber offers passengers a means to call 911 within the app If an incident occurs. If this is not an option, attempt to safely exit the car or get the attention of other motorists and pedestrians. You should also consider recording the incident to provide information for an investigation.
If you believe you were sexually assaulted while you were inebriated or that you may have been drugged, you should contact law enforcement immediately. You should also report the incident to Uber and Lyft and retain a lawyer. An experienced lawyer can help you communicate with representatives from either company to ensure that your claims are not being minimized to avoid liability.
Additionally, if you wish to file a lawsuit against either company for sexual assault, you should remember that civil lawsuits have a filing deadline. This deadline is referred to as the statute of limitations. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury. This means that a plaintiff’s case can be barred by the court after the deadline has passed, leaving them without an option to seek compensation. As a result, you should waste no time in speaking with an attorney regarding your traumatic incident.
Contact an Experienced Philadelphia Rideshare Sexual Assault Attorney You Can Trust
If you or a family member was a victim of sexual assault at the hands of an Uber or Lyft employee, contact an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney today. The legal team at the Reiff Law Firm possesses decades of combined legal experience litigating intricate injury cases, and we are not afraid to take on large corporations like Uber or Lyft. To schedule a free case evaluation, contact the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940.
