For millions of Americans, rideshare apps like Uber® and Lyft® have become a convenient way to get around. But behind the convenience, serious safety concerns have emerged.
In recent years, reports of sexual assault by rideshare drivers across the country have come to light and only continued to climb, raising questions about whether or not companies are doing enough to protect passengers.
Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against Uber and consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) to address the issue of rideshare safety and seek justice for survivors.
We spoke with Firm Partner Ellyn Hurd, an Uber assault lawyer who serves on the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee for the MDL. She shared more about who can take legal action, the process of holding Uber accountable, and where the rideshare litigation currently stands.
What is the lawsuit against Uber?
In this case, Lyft or Uber lawsuits are brought by survivors of sexual assault who were harmed while using this rideshare service. The claims focus on each company’s failure to keep riders safe by not properly screening drivers and allowing those accused of inappropriate behavior to remain on the platform.
We believe Uber prioritized growth and profits over the safety and well-being of passengers nationwide. These lawsuits aim to hold the company accountable for the harm that occurred, push them to improve their safety measures, and secure compensation for survivors.
How many Uber sexual assault cases were filed?
Sadly, we know most women don’t end up formally reporting instances of abuse or pursuing legal action. Uber received nearly half a million reports of assault from 2017 to 2021, but only a couple of thousand Uber sexual assault cases have been filed as part of the multidistrict litigation at this time.
Who can file an Uber sexual assault lawsuit?
Anyone who was sexually assaulted or otherwise harmed by their rideshare driver may be able to file a lawsuit against Uber. Sadly, I’ve seen cases involving everything from physical assaults and indecent exposure to stalking and even kidnapping — women, men, as well as children.
If your driver sexually abused or assaulted you or your loved one, you do have legal rights. It’s my job to take a stand on your behalf, ensure your voice is heard, and hold Uber accountable when its failures put passengers in harm’s way.
What can an Uber assault attorney do for their clients?
When someone contacts our Uber assault attorneys, the first thing we do is listen. We want to understand what happened and make sure survivors feel heard and supported.
From there, we’ll work to gather any additional information, like incident reports, police records, information from the Uber app, and medical documentation. Our goal is to build a strong case that shows how Uber’s practices put the rider in harm’s way.
Part of our job also involves negotiating with Uber’s lawyers and trying to secure a settlement on our client’s behalf. If a settlement isn’t reached, we have the resources needed to take Uber on at trial.
I know pursuing legal action after a sexual assault can be difficult and emotionally draining. My goal is to stand by my clients every step of the way as we fight for the justice they deserve.
How can I find the best lawyer to sue Uber?
To find the best lawyer for your case, you’ll want someone you feel comfortable with — someone who listens, takes your concerns seriously, understands how these cases work, and explains things clearly.
At the same time, it’s also important that your lawyer has experience handling cases against large corporations like Uber, which often have powerful legal teams fighting on their behalf. Ask any attorney you’re considering about their past results, so you can be confident they’ll be able to effectively represent you.
It’s important to keep in mind that there are deadlines for filing an Uber sexual assault lawsuit, and those deadlines vary depending on the state. The sooner you’re able to reach out to an attorney, the better your chances are of protecting your legal rights.
How much does it cost to work with an Uber sexual assault attorney?
The Uber sexual assault attorneys at our firm handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless we secure compensation for you. This setup makes legal representation more accessible.
Anyone who’s been harmed by a rideshare driver can get legal help without worrying about the cost, allowing them to focus on their well-being instead.
What is the Uber MDL, and what does your role in this litigation involve?
The Uber sexual assault MDL is a multidistrict litigation, which means that similar cases have been consolidated in one court to make the process more efficient and ensure consistent handling of shared issues.
I’ve been deeply involved in the Uber litigation since its early stages, and I currently serve on the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee. This role allows me to help guide the overall strategy and legal arguments in the case, make sure evidence is collected properly, and identify which claims should be presented first at trial.
What are the average Uber sexual assault lawsuit settlement amounts?
Every case is different, so settlement amounts can vary widely — and there’s no guarantee of a payout. For Uber sexual assault cases, some survivors may receive $10,000, while others may be awarded $1 million or more in cases involving serious harm.
The amount may also reflect factors like the extent of Uber’s negligence and the lasting impact the incident has had on the survivor’s life.
What’s the latest Uber lawsuit update in 2026?
The first federal bellwether Uber sexual assault trial was a wake-up call for the company and for anyone who’s ever trusted a rideshare app with their safety. Our client was a young Arizona woman who was attacked during what was supposed to be a routine ride.
The jury saw what my team and I have been saying for years: Uber has a responsibility to its passengers. They found the company liable because the driver, while technically an independent contractor, presented himself in a way that passengers could reasonably trust as “Uber-approved,” and the systems Uber had in place failed to protect her.
What struck the jury and those involved in the case was the human cost. They heard how Uber’s risk assessments and internal warnings could have prevented the assault, but weren’t acted on in time. That’s why they awarded our client $8.5 million.
This wasn’t about a single ride. It was about a company that built its brand on safety and convenience but left passengers vulnerable. For me, it’s a reminder that these cases are about accountability, sending a message that no one’s safety should ever be treated as optional.
Could this litigation change how companies like Uber handle rider safety?
Absolutely. The Uber assault litigation has shed light on the safety gaps in rideshare platforms and created pressure for meaningful change. Every lawsuit against Uber sends a message that passenger safety must be a priority.
By challenging how the company screens drivers, responds to complaints, and implements safety measures, we’re working to push the entire industry to do better. Ultimately, the goal is to make rides safer for everyone, so no one has to fear harm when they get in a car.
Get Help from Our Uber Sexual Assault Lawyers
At Simmons Hanly Conroy, we understand how difficult it can be to come forward after a rideshare assault. Our team is committed to standing with survivors and fighting for the justice they deserve.
Our Uber sexual assault lawyers:
- Can help survivors in all 50 states
- Don’t charge any upfront costs or hourly fees
- Have secured over $11.7 billion total for our clients
You don’t have to face this alone. Let our team handle the legal legwork for you, so you can focus on your well-being and moving forward from this incident.
Call (855) 264-6270 now or fill out our contact form to get started with a free consultation.
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