Uber’s failure to protect passengers from drivers has been a matter of record for years, prompting the company to release a comprehensive US Safety Report in 2019. The details contained within the report were shocking, providing details of almost 6,000 sexual assault reports. Uber promised wholesale changes, but have the promises been met? Recent Uber sexual assault cases include:
Thousands. Uber has released two major Safety Reports that provide details of sexual assaults and rape incidents. The reports have covered two years of data retrospectively. The first report, released in 2019, provided details of 5,9,81 incidents of sexual assault and 464 reports of rape. Those figures covered the years 2017 and 2018. The report covering 2019-2020 (released in 2022) detailed 3,824 incidents of sexual assault. While that shows a 38% decline, it is wise to take into consideration external factors – such as the significant decline in Uber journeys during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may account for the drop in sexual assault reports. Unfortunately, we still see news reports of Uber sexual assaults with alarming frequency today.
It’s important to acknowledge how significant the Uber Safety Report of 2019 was. The company was under massive pressure to admit the scale of the sexual assault problem, and the Safety Report was the result of years of campaigning by sexual assault survivor groups. It was also an attempt by Uber to save its reputation. Nonetheless, the Safety Reports outline ways in which Uber can improve the safety of its passengers, ranging from more rigorous vetting of its drivers to how it reports sexual assaults to the police. Proposed Uber safety features included Ride Check, which would alert both riders and drivers if a trip has veered too far off course. Uber has also advised passengers to be vigilant, as some sexual assaults have been committed by perpetrators pretending to be Uber drivers. However, for some sexual assault survivors, the changes came too late. Moreover, Uber has been criticized for not going far enough with its changes in policy.
One of the biggest criticisms facing Uber was its practice of compelling assault claimants to partake in mandatory arbitration and mediation, which effectively meant settling differences and reaching an agreement out of court. Victims felt they were forced into this action, and they were unhappy at being forced into signing confidentiality agreements to settle claims. In 2018, Uber changed its stance, no longer making these hearings mandatory. In effect, that means assault victims are free to pursue public lawsuits, as many hundreds of women have done.
As with all sexual assault incidents, each case is unique. While all sexual assault is inherently serious, compensation depends on a wide variety of factors, including the nature of the act itself. Factors like the extent of the sexual assault would come into play. In addition, there are specific conditions when dealing with a sexual assault committed by someone working for a company, including how the company – Uber, in this case – deals with the allegations.
Unfortunately, lawyers across the country are accustomed to dealing with Uber sexual assault cases. If you have been the victim of sexual assault while using Uber, then you should contact a lawyer to find out about your next steps. Experienced sexual assault lawyers will know how to handle each case with the sensitivity it deserves. It’s also worth noting that Uber sexual assault legal action does not necessarily mean a public court appearance for each claimant. As mentioned above, many of the previous cases have been consolidated into a single case. It is possible that a settlement can be agreed without the need for a lengthy court battle.
Uber has received a lot of criticism for protecting passengers and, to a lesser extent, drivers from sexual assault. It has released two major Safety reports to date, which outline how it can improve passenger safety and improve how sexual assault allegations are acted upon by the company.
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As with any sexual assault, the best course of action is to contact the police. If you have been the victim of sexual assault during an Uber ride, you may also consider talking to an experienced lawyer.
You can file a lawsuit against the company. Many victims of Uber sexual assault already have, and lawyers are urging more passengers to come forward as there have been thousands of sexual assault reports.
Sexual assault cases are sensitive, and each survivor will choose their own path in dealing with it. For a variety of reasons personal to you, you may choose not to pursue legal action. However, there is a growing movement to secure compensation from Uber, with hundreds of women pursuing legal action.
Yes. hundreds of people have brought action against Uber, claiming the company did not do enough to protect them from drivers who sexually assaulted them when they were Uber passengers.
It will depend on the circumstances surrounding the sexual assault. The lawsuits against Uber take into consideration both the sexual assault and the actions of Uber, i.e., the failures of the company to prevent such incidents.
Yes. Provided a crime, including sexual assault, has taken place during the Uber ride and perpetrated by the driver, you may be able to join the Uber sexual assault lawsuits.
That depends on many factors. A large number of the Uber sexual assault cases have been consolidated into a single case for reasons of expediency. Recently, a judge said that the Uber sexual assault cases should be resolved quickly to help the victims receive closure.
