Case Update December 2020: Uber was ordered to pay a $59.1 million fine to the California Public Utilities Commission for failing to comply with its request for data about the 2019 assault report.
Passengers of Uber and Lyft always run the risk of potentially being physically and/or assaulted by the driver. These ridesharing companies perform checks on prospective drivers and will turn away some applicants based on their criminal records and personal histories. However, background checks are never one hundred percent effective at rooting out possible assailants. Uber and Lyft are not able to provide guaranteed safety for every single rider because drivers work on their own time and with their own vehicles.
As a result of negligent hiring practices, faulty background checks, and lack of safety, there have been numerous instances in which an Uber or Lyft driver assaulted a passenger. Rideshare services are commonly used by individuals who need safe transportation home after a night of drinking and these riders are the main targets for assault.
Passengers who have been physically injured or assaulted while using a ridesharing service will need an experienced personal injury lawyer for legal representation. Broughton Partners works to connect professional law firms with potential plaintiffs who meet the case criteria. Many more lawsuits will be forthcoming and plaintiffs will be looking for an attorney who can help them file a ridesharing assault lawsuit.