Albuquerque Rideshare Assault: Your Rights as a Passenger After a Physical Attack

As the ballooning capital of the world and home to numerous galleries and outdoor adventures, Albuquerque, New Mexico, hosts many tourists every year. Visitors often use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft to get around. Although ride apps appear to be a safe and convenient way to see all the Albuquerque sites, the companies are not without a degree of risk. Passengers have been victims of physical assault in rideshare vehicles, leaving significant injuries in some instances.

Fortunately, the incidences of rideshare assault appear to be relatively rare. If you are the victim of an attack, the odds won’t make a difference to you, however. A rideshare assault can injure you physically and traumatize you emotionally. If you or someone you know has recently been a victim of a rideshare assault, an Albuquerque personal injury attorney at Carabin Shaw can help. Contact a member of our team 24/7 at 800-862-1260 for your free case review.

It is difficult to know precisely how many rideshare passengers have fallen victim to physical assault. Uber and Lyft do not offer statistics beyond fatal assaults (Uber reported 38 from 2017-2020, and Lyft reported ten from 2017-2019). The limited data leaves the actual risk open to guesses, as a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study found in early 2024. While rideshare companies record of complaints and incidents, the data is reserved for internal use and not made public.

Assault is “an attempt with force or violence to do a corporal injury to another.” The elements of assault include:

• An intent to cause harm
• Fear of imminent harm
• Attempted or actual physical contact

Simple assault is considered a misdemeanor and involves the threat of physical harm or actual harm with minimal injuries. Aggravated assault involves a weapon or causes serious bodily harm. Understanding the different types of assault will help you know the damages you may be eligible to pursue with your attorney.

Determining liability after a rideshare assault can be tricky since drivers are independent contractors and not employees of the rideshare company. However, the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission states that employers are responsible for controlling the aggressive or harassing behavior of independent contractors if the employer knows or should reasonably know about the behavior.

Rideshare companies are also responsible for keeping passengers safe by carefully screening potential drivers before hiring them. Unfortunately, some investigations have shown companies like Uber and Lyft may not go far enough in vetting drivers, leaving passengers vulnerable in some situations. If you are the victim of a rideshare attack, your lawyer can determine whether the company has actively screened the driver. If not, the driver and the company may be held liable for your subsequent injuries.

If you are injured in a rideshare assault, you may be eligible to collect damages for the following:

• Medical bills, including hospitalization and surgery costs
• Physical therapy or rehabilitation to regain your strength and mobility
• Lost wages while you are off work to recover
• Pain and suffering to compensate for physical pain and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Mental anguish for mental health issues as a result of the attack

If you are the victim of a rideshare assault, you need to contact an Albuquerque NM rideshare injury attorney immediately. Your experienced legal team will investigate the incident to determine who you can hold liable for your injuries and the amount of damages you are entitled to based on the extent of your injuries and emotional trauma suffered.

Don’t wait to contact Carabin Shaw after an attack in a rideshare vehicle. Our team has worked with victims like you for more than 25 years, as reviews from previous clients attest. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you don’t pay until you get your settlement. We provide English- and Spanish-speaking professionals to answer your questions and advise you on the next steps. Don’t hesitate to contact us today at 800-862-1260.

For more information:

• Uber
• Lyft Community Safety Report
• U.S. Department of Justice
• Consumer Notice