Civil Litigation Against Uber & Lyft for Assault or Sexual Harassment by a Driver

When you step into an Uber or Lyft, you expect a safe and reliable ride. Unfortunately, there are instances where passengers suffer assault, sexual harassment, or other misconduct at the hands of rideshare drivers. These incidents are deeply traumatic and can leave victims unsure of where to turn. Civil litigation may provide a path to justice, accountability, and financial recovery.

Your Rights as a Passenger

Rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft owe their passengers a duty of care. That includes proper driver screening, safety monitoring, and swift action when reports of misconduct arise. When a driver assaults or sexually harasses a passenger, both the driver and — in many cases — the rideshare company may be held liable under Massachusetts civil law.

Understanding Rideshare Liability

Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, but that does not automatically shield the companies from legal responsibility. Courts examine several factors, including the company’s hiring practices, background checks, prior complaints, and whether the incident occurred during an active trip.

Potential civil claims may include:

• Negligent hiring — failing to properly screen drivers
• Negligent retention — keeping a driver on the platform after complaints
• Negligent supervision — inadequate monitoring of driver behavior
• Vicarious liability — responsibility for actions taken during an active ride

Passengers may also bring claims directly against the driver for assault, battery, sexual harassment, or intentional infliction of emotional distress.

What to Do If You Have Been Assaulted or Sexually Harassed

If you experience any kind of assault or sexual harassment while using Uber or Lyft, take the following steps to protect yourself and your legal claim:

• Call 911 immediately if you are in danger or have been physically harmed.
• Preserve evidence — screenshots of the ride, driver information, messages, and trip receipts.
• Document injuries — seek medical care and keep detailed records.
• Report the incident through the Uber or Lyft app.
• Consult a Massachusetts civil litigation attorney experienced in rideshare assault cases.

These incidents often require a careful investigation, including examining the driver’s history, prior rider complaints, and the company’s safety practices.

How Civil Litigation Can Help

Pursuing a civil claim can provide compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Therapy and counseling costs
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages in egregious cases

A lawsuit can also help protect future passengers by holding rideshare companies accountable for unsafe practices.

We Are Here to Protect Your Rights

If you or a loved one has been assaulted or sexually harassed by an Uber or Lyft driver, you deserve compassionate legal guidance and strong representation. Our firm handles complex civil litigation arising from rideshare incidents, ensuring victims have the support needed to move forward.

Call us at (508) 473-1161 or visit kaplanslaw.com to schedule a confidential consultation.

We are committed to protecting your rights, pursuing justice, and helping you rebuild after trauma.