Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit

Uber sexual assault allegations claim that the company:

• Marketed its services as safe for riders and a suitable late-night option for vulnerable passengers

• Failed to remove drivers known to be a risk for committing sexual assault

• Neglected to create and maintain a system to handle passenger claims of sexual misconduct

• Made it challenging for riders to report sexual assaults and failed to develop or implement a system for prevention

• Did not provide technological tools like video monitoring to discourage sexual assault

• Failed to alert law enforcement when a driver changed course, suddenly cancelled a ride or reached a destination but the rider stayed in the car for an extended period

• Refused to cooperate with law enforcement when a driver was accused of assaulting a passenger

• Failed to protect vulnerable passengers from the known risk of sexual assault by drivers

The number and rate of Uber sexual assault reports have decreased, according to the company. They claim that the rate of reported sexual assaults decreased by 44% between 2017 and 2022.

Unfortunately, the crime of sexual assault is often underreported. The known reports of sexual misconduct by Uber drivers are likely only a portion of the actual sexual assaults that happen during Uber rides. Even though reporting has been moderate, it has attracted media attention and scrutiny of Uber and these allegations.

According to the legal doctrine of respondent superior, employers are held liable for the negligent acts their employees committed during the scope of their employment. This means Uber is responsible for the harm its drivers committed while providing rides to passengers. Because Uber profits from a system in which its drivers cause harm to vulnerable riders, the company may be held liable for their injuries.  

As a result, Uber has been named as a defendant in cases involving:

• Negligent hiring of drivers
• Failure to conduct proper background checks
• Failure to implement proper safety measures
• Failure to investigate and respond to reports of sexual misconduct
• Failure to inform consumers of the risks and hazards associated with use of the Uber App

Passenger sexual assault claims

The following types of passenger sexual assault claims have been made against Uber: 

• Non-consensual kissing of a non-sexual body part
• Attempted non-consensual sexual penetration
• Non-consensual touching of a sexual body part
• Non-consensual kissing of a sexual body part
• Non-consensual sexual penetration

Uber driver sexual assault

 Although less common, Uber drivers have also alleged sexual assault committed against them by passengers. Of the reports made between 2017 and 2022, Uber passengers were accused of sexual assault 31% of the time, while 68% of the reports were made against drivers. One percent of the reports accused third parties of sexual misconduct. 

Numerous types of compensation may be available to survivors of Uber sexual assault, including economic, non-economic and punitive damages. Some factors that can affect settlement amounts include proper evidence and severity of injuries. The February 2026 $8.5 million Uber sexual assault verdict may pave the way for more compensation for survivors. 

How Uber sexual assault lawyers can help

Our Uber sexual assault lawyers can help rideshare sexual assault survivors:

• Build their case
• Gather evidence
• File a lawsuit
• Negotiate and litigate against Uber

Motley Rice lawyers are trauma-informed and trained to handle these types of sensitive cases.

If you or someone you know experienced sexual abuse or sexual assault during or after riding in or driving an Uber, you may have legal options to pursue justice and compensation. Motley Rice has represented survivors of sexual abuse in complex cases nationwide, including litigation against the Boy Scouts of America, Catholic dioceses and other institutions. We understand how to hold both perpetrators and organizations accountable when negligence or unsafe conditions enable abuse.

Read more on our sexual assault litigation experience.