Despite companies’ claims that ridesharing is a safer alternative to driving, both Uber and Lyft are facing an increasing number of rideshare sexual assault lawsuits. And when it comes to litigating passengers’ allegations of being assaulted by rideshare drivers, “the companies can claim they’re not responsible for criminal incidents ‘outside the scope of the employment relationship,’ in part because they consider their drivers independent contractors,” Bloomberg Law reports.

After receiving a growing number of complaints about the safety of their services, both Uber and Lyft promised to disclose incident statistics as well as improve driver screening processes and the overall approach to combatting sexual assault. Now, though, they’re arguing in court that they’re not responsible for the criminal incidents perpetrated by drivers despite the fact that they rely on the promise of safety to attract riders.

One might reasonably expect to see a decrease in cases after the implementation of new safety rules for both companies. Instead, rideshare sexual assaults are becoming increasingly common, as are the lawsuits that stem from them. Both Uber and Lyft have seen the number of lawsuits filed against them double in recent years.

Sexual Assault Lawsuits Filed Against Lyft

Lyft has a history of sexual assault suits dating to 2017. In September, 14 women sued Lyft for sexual assaults allegedly committed by Lyft drivers. At the time, Lyft told ABC News that it was “committed to providing safe transportation,” promising the public that its commitment was “stronger than ever.” Just three months later, 19 more women sued Lyft for allegedly ignoring sexual abuse complaints and failing to prevent sexual assaults.

“It’s not just the fact that these sexual assaults happened. It’s about the cover-up,” said Michael Bomberger, who represents the women in both lawsuits. Several plaintiffs claim that Lyft didn’t investigate their complaints and instead down-played the seriousness of the incidents.

Uber’s History of Rideshare Sexual Assault

Uber’s first rideshare sexual assault lawsuit was filed in 2014. In a study published in December, Uber reported that in 2018 alone it received 3,045 sexual assault complaints in the U.S. Uber has been ramping up its safety efforts, reportedly deactivating 40,000 drivers using an automated system. But passengers continue to experience sexual assaults. Still, domestic violence expert Cindy Southworth told  The New York Times that the study itself is a good sign.

“That a company is willing to peel back the drapes and let us look into what is happening is, to me, the success,” Southworth said.

The Purpose of Rideshare Sexual Assault Lawsuits

Plaintiffs have accused Lyft and Uber of ignoring passenger complaints and creating a dangerous atmosphere. These lawsuits, which typically  seek damages for victims, also seek to push these companies to step up driver monitoring and screening. Other suggestions made by plaintiffs and lawyers include implementing a fingerprint-based background check for drivers and video recording rides. Uber also promised to keep a database of sexual assaults, murders and crash fatalities. Generally, “the more that the public is aware, the more the company and everyone else has to respond,” Jeanne Christensen, a lawyer representing women who have sued Uber, told the Times.

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.