Assault Allegations Against Rideshare Companies Keep Growing

Popular rideshare companies Uber and Lyft are warning investors that their brands may undergo “future damages” due to allegations from thousands of passengers who claim they were victims of serious driver misconduct. According to Uber’s internal data, which the company touched on during recent filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission and released to the public voluntarily, there are thousands of reports of individuals impersonating drivers, sexual assault, kidnapping, abuse, and, in some instances, fatal injuries.

In a landmark decision last year, a panel of judges decided that many (approximately 80) cases against Uber could be consolidated into one to be heard by a federal court judge. The victims’ attorneys commended the ruling, saying it gives them the opportunity to demonstrate the company’s deep-seated and prevalent issue with sexual assault and endangering passengers. With current news trending in the same direction and disturbing allegations continuing to come to light, we can see that the same could be said today.

As of last year, Lyft had over 40 million riders. This year, Uber is up to 44.1 million. There were over 6,800 reports of sex crimes or sexual misconduct on Uber rides from 2017 to 2020; from 2017 to 2019, Lyft received more than 4,100 similar reports. When questioned about the allegations, both companies emphasized that they already have safety features in place. Examples of these include in-app 9-1-1 calling, being able to share real-time trip information, and Women+ Connect, an optional function that matches nonbinary passengers and women with female and nonbinary drivers. But the victims’ attorneys and safety advocates say these measures are not enough and that rideshare companies have a duty to prevent assaults. They question why there aren’t other preventive measures in place to protect riders, such as:

• Comprehensive and routine background checks, like fingerprinting. One of the victim’s attorneys says that the assailant may have been a foreign national, rendering his background check an ineffective form of criminal screening
• Removing drivers immediately after receiving a report of assault or misconduct, which the companies have failed to do in the past
• Prioritize rider safety by taking reports into account and implementing additional safety measures

While Uber and Lyft claim they try to protect riders, they only began to offer additional safety features (like in-app 9-1-1 calls and sharing real-time trip information) after reports began to surface in 2018. Since then, both companies have made billions of dollars in profits – all while thousands of drivers have continued to assault and injure passengers.

Safety Tips for Riders

As rideshare companies say they value safety, we have seen countless instances where they fail to take responsibility for the physical and emotional damages that their riders sustain. If you decide to use a rideshare service like Lyft or Uber, it is important to take some extra precautions that can help get you home safely. Here are some examples:

• Just like with any other ride, be sure to wear your seatbelt. Sit in the backseat, not in the front with the driver
• Confirm the vehicle’s make, model, and license plate before entering. Also, make sure that the driver’s identity and physical appearance match the information in the app. If any of these details do not match up, do NOT enter the vehicle
• Request that your driver confirm your name. Keep in mind that drivers may also request that riders confirm their name
• Whenever possible, request your ride indoors and do not wait outside alone. Wait inside until your driver arrives
• Always share your trip information with your friends or loved ones. To do this, simply select “share trip status” in the app
• Do not give drivers any of your personal information, like where you work, your home address, or your phone number
• Keep an eye on your surroundings to make sure that your driver is taking you to the correct location. If you suspect that your driver is taking you to the wrong place, tell them someone is waiting for you at your destination. Call for help if they continue to not follow directions
• Follow your gut. If you have a bad feeling, consider canceling the ride in-app, asking the driver to pull over at a safe location, and exiting when you can. If you sense that the situation may become dangerous, use the in-app feature or call 9-1-1 for help

So far, the steps that Uber and Lyft have taken to “protect” riders have been insufficient, leading victims to rightfully question whether they even care or if they simply value making the big bucks. If you were assaulted by a rideshare driver, compassionate and caring help is out there. If you would like to learn more about filing a claim, contact a representative at our firm who can guide you in the right direction.

Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers at Galfand Berger, LLP, Representing Injured Victims Since 1947

Contact the Philadelphia personal injury attorneys at Galfand Berger LLP today. Call us at 800-222-USWA (8792) or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Reading, we serve clients throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including Allentown and Harrisburg.