If you feel that you’ve been abused in a rideshare, contact your local police department to report the crime. This is different from filing a lawsuit, but you can file a criminal complaint if you feel the driver was negligent. If you are a victim of sexual assault or other violent crime in a rideshare, you may be able to sue the company responsible. It’s best to contact a law firm immediately after the rape. You may be entitled to compensation and medical care from the rideshare company. You may also be able to sue the driver of the rideshare if you’re a victim of a sexual assault.
Regardless of whether you were assaulted in a rideshare or not, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible to begin a claim. The law requires all rideshare companies to meet certain requirements to ensure passenger safety.
Steps to Take After Being Assaulted in a Rideshare
- File a police report
- Get medical attention
- Document the assault
- Contact a rideshare accident attorney
File a Police Report
Report the assault to the police. If the driver has a camera, you can file a report to your local police department, Uber, or Lyft. The police may investigate the incident to find the perpetrator. If you’re unable to contact a police officer in time, consider filing a claim to get compensation for your injuries and suffering.
Get Medical Attention
During the assault, you should seek medical assistance. You need to seek help immediately if you are injured. Your attorney can help you get the money you need and get justice for your case. A rideshare driver may have used physical violence and psychological coercion to attack you. It is essential to seek legal representation as soon as possible in such cases.
Document The Assault
Document the assault. It’s essential to document every detail, including medical records and communications like text messages between you and the ride service provider.
Contact a Rideshare Accident Attorney
You can start the process by contacting a rideshare lawyer. Your claim will be more successful if you have legal representation. A Houston rideshare attorney can help you document the incident, and they can help you fight for your rights to compensation, including lost wages and medical bills. An attorney can negotiate with the rideshare company’s insurance adjuster and suggest filing a formal claim in court. Typically, a judge and jury will decide if you are entitled to compensation.
Damages You May Be Able to Recover
Once you have filed your claim, you can seek compensation from the rideshare company. This can be very effective when it comes to securing monetary reparations. Depending on the circumstances, you may also be eligible for punitive damages, which you cannot receive in an out-of-court settlement.
It’s important to note that rideshare companies typically don’t want to go to court if a victim is assaulted. They’re worried that a court case will result in more press coverage and more money and are generally unwilling to take the risk.
Damages you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Rehab or physical therapy bills
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Increased living expenses
- Loss of opportunity
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If you’ve been a victim of sexual assault in a rideshare in Texas, you may be entitled to punitive damages. You can file a civil lawsuit against the company and/or the driver. A case is a powerful way to seek justice and hold responsible parties accountable. It is essential to seek the support of family members, medical professionals, your attorney, and the local police in a case.
Who Is Liable If I Am Assaulted in an Uber or Lyft?
Typically, the Uber or Lyft driver will be liable for committing sexual assault against the victim because the driver has a legal responsibility to keep the passengers reasonably safe. Moreover, knowingly committing a sexual offense against a rideshare passenger is a crime in Texas and a civil tort that can make the driver liable for the victim’s damages.
If you are a victim of a sexual assault while riding in an Uber or Lyft, the first thing you should do is contact an attorney. The process of filing a sexual assault lawsuit is notoriously tricky, and rideshare companies employ dozens of attorneys to try to shield themselves from liability.
In addition to hiring qualified drivers, rideshare companies must also monitor their drivers for new criminal charges and accusations. If a passenger is sexually assaulted in an Uber or Lyft, the rideshare company may be liable for the assault. If the rideshare company fails to protect its passengers and drivers, passengers may have a case against the company.
Despite these caveats, victims should not be afraid to report a case to the local police. Reporting a sexual assault to the police is vital for many reasons, including obtaining compensation. Additionally, reporting an assault can lead to a criminal investigation. Fortunately, Uber and Lyft provide 24-hour customer service through their apps. The company’s website has helpful information for victims.
Sexual Assault Attorneys – Why You Should Hire an Experienced Uber Or Lyft Sexual Assault Attorney
Those who are victims of sexual assault should contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you get a lawyer, the better, as the statute of limitations on filing a case for sexual assault is two years. Waiting too long to file a suit may mean that your case is over, and you will lose your chance to sue your attacker.
As Uber and Lyft continue to offer rideshare services, more women are experiencing sexual assault in the rideshare industry. Fortunately, there are ways to file a lawsuit against the companies responsible. In some cases, sexual assault victims can file lawsuits against these companies in Texas. By contacting a reputable attorney, the victim can get compensation for the traumatic experience they have suffered.
Depending on the severity of your case, Uber and Lyft may have been negligent in screening their drivers. Many riders did not receive thorough background checks. If an assault occurs while riding on Uber or Lyft, you may be able to recover compensation for damages incurred. A lawyer can also gather evidence that will support your claim. A sexual assault attorney will also file a lawsuit against the rideshare company.