Rideshare services like Lyft and Uber are becoming popular transportation services. They are convenient and efficient. While many rides end without incident, some can be life-altering for riders. The dark side of ridesharing is that drivers sexually assault or harass riders. You were under the impression you were safe, and you should be. Uber drivers undergo background checks and should be professional. When they are not and cause you harm, you have rights. There is support available for sexual assault survivors. Speak to our Uber sexual assault attorneys to discuss your next steps.
Know your rights
You have legal rights after a sexual assault in an Uber. Some of those rights include:
- Report the incident to authorities
- Undergo a sexual assault kit by a professional that is then preserved
- Information about court dates and legal proceedings
- Privacy during court proceedings
You also have the right to pursue criminal and civil action against the perpetrator and the rideshare company. An Uber sexual assault attorney can help you understand your rights and potential next steps.
Preserve evidence and get medical attention
Your safety and health are the priority after a sexual assault in an Uber. You should call 911 and seek medical attention from the closest medical facility. If possible, preserve any evidence to help you with your legal claim. Clothing is crucial evidence. The hospital may keep your clothes in a sealed bag. There could be DNA evidence that can tie the Uber driver to your sexual assault.
You will also want to keep any records or receipts of your Uber ride. This will help correlate your allegations to the ride. The medical reports and Uber records can show a timeline and tie the two events together. You can communicate with the driver through the Uber app, which can be used as evidence. You should take screenshots and provide them to an Uber sexual assault attorney.
Speak to law enforcement
When you call 911, law enforcement will arrive at the scene or the hospital. They will want to take a statement for their investigation. This can be a difficult conversation, but you should try to provide as many details as possible. Some information that you can provide includes:
- Vehicle information
- Date
- Time
- Driver’s name
- Location of the incident
You may have to recount the details of the incident, but this is a delicate topic, and it can be challenging to do so in the aftermath of the situation. Some survivors wait until they obtain counseling to recount their assault. Provide what you remember and are comfortable with to authorities. A police report is the first step in seeking legal action.
Press charges
While you can file a civil claim to recover compensation, you can also press charges against the driver. When you consult with Kwartler Manus, LLC, we will advise you of your legal options and the consequences the Uber driver can face. If you press charges, that is a separate legal process. There are strict penalties for convictions, including fines and incarceration. Convictions can also provide a sense of justice and prevent the perpetrator from committing these crimes in the future.
Report the situation to Uber
Uber has a responsibility to address any issues that happen on rides. This includes sexual assault. They should take prompt action against drivers. They have a general reporting system which involves:
- Opening the Uber app
- Going to the trip details
- Choose “I had a safety issue” and pick one of the options.
- You will be asked to describe the incident, such as the ride details, the driver’s name, and supporting evidence.
Uber may reach out to get more information from you. The company should also cooperate with law enforcement. If you hire an Uber sexual assault attorney, we can handle this process for you. We do not want you to say the wrong thing while reporting the incident, so let us talk for you.
Speak to legal counsel
Your life has changed because a predator decided to assault you. They should have been getting you to your destination safely. You will want to have an attorney with experience in sexual assault cases. Our team will guide you through the process and explain your rights. Some of the ways we will help protect you include:
- Collect evidence: our team will gather and preserve evidence relevant to your case. This may include witness statements, medical records, physical evidence, and other documentation.
- Protective orders: when you use a rideshare service, you might be going home, meaning the driver can access your address. When your ride is complete, the address disappears. However, the driver may continue to harass you, especially if they lose their job or are facing criminal charges. We can seek a protective order to prevent further harm.
- Negotiate: our goal is to get you justice for your sexual assault. This can involve negotiating with the insurance company. We will negotiate for a settlement that covers your losses, like medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.
- Guidance and support: Kwartler Manus, LLC can provide emotional support and guidance. We can refer you to resources and counseling for additional support.
- Advocacy: we will serve as your advocates and protect your best interest. Your voice should be heard in court, and the perpetrator should be held responsible for their actions.
Call Kwartler Manus, LLC
If you are sexually assaulted while in an Uber, you have legal options. You deserve to seek justice and compensation for your injuries. Kwartler Manus, LLC is here to help sexual assault survivors hold Uber and the driver responsible for this harrowing incident. Call our offices to schedule a confidential consultation.