Damages Recoverable After Oklahoma City Rideshare Sexual Assault - Professional Legal Help

When you step into a rideshare vehicle, the last thing you expect is sexual assault. In fact, many people opt for rideshare travel to protect themselves from physical harm. However, rideshare sexual assault does happen, and although it is rare, it probably happens more than you think. The damages from an Oklahoma City rideshare assault are complicated, which is why it is important to hire a lawyer to seek compensation for your losses.

At Carabin Shaw, our team has decades of experience helping the victims of sexual assault to receive the compensation they need to get back to normal life. We are compassionate to your losses and your struggle to recover from them, which is why we offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you don’t have the added stress of upfront legal fees. Call our toll-free number at 800-862-1260 to set up a free consultation. We have English- AND Spanish-speaking staff available 24/7 waiting to help you with your legal journey.

In Oklahoma, rideshare drivers are typically classified as independent contractors, which means that the rideshare company is generally not liable for their drivers’ actions. However, the courts may hold them liable when they neglect to take basic precautions to keep their riders safe or when they neglect to adopt safe hiring practices.

For example, rideshare companies are required to perform background checks on their drivers. If they allow a person convicted of sexual assault to drive for them, they may be subject to the liability of a repeated sexual assault. Likewise, if they ignore repeated customer complaints about a driver who is sexually assaulting passengers, they may be held liable for damages. An experienced lawyer will be able to find evidence proving gross negligence when applicable to your lawsuit, which will increase your chances of full financial recovery from your losses.

Civil law in Oklahoma dictates that a plaintiff can receive damages not limited to the following in personal injury cases such as those following Oklahoma City rideshare assault:

• Economic damages: Medical bills, loss of compensation, accommodations
• Noneconomic damages: Pain and suffering, loss of society, loss of relationships, loss of training or education, mental anguish, other intangible losses
• Future damages: Medical expenses, physical pain, mental anguish, loss of companionship, loss of income, loss of inheritance
• Punitive damages: Meant as punishment for seriousness of misconduct, attitude upon discovery of harm, or the reckless disregard for others

Damages are meant to cover all losses for which the defendant is responsible and ensure that the defendant does not engage in harmful activities again. Not all personal injury cases end with punitive damages, but in the case of sexual assault, there is a higher chance that the judge or jury will award additional damages for intentional criminal activity.

In a rideshare sexual assault, the biggest challenge is ensuring that the court holds the rideshare company liable for your injuries, as well as the assailant. An experienced attorney will have access to recent case law that is developing in response to sexual assaults on Uber and Lyft rideshare vehicles. Although Uber has released two safety reports, your lawyer will be able to dig up more information about their safety measures and find out how they failed to protect you from your assault.

Finally, a sexual assault lawyer, such as those at Carabin Shaw, will be compassionate to your case and ease your legal journey. Sexual assault leaves lasting injuries that require a legal team that will listen. We encourage you to read our client reviews, so you can see how we treat our clients, so they can work on their recovery.

If you’re not sure about filing a lawsuit following a rideshare sexual assault, at least consult with a legal team and find out what options you have. You deserve compensation for your losses, so you don’t have to endure additional suffering. The Oklahoma City attorneys at Carabin Shaw are experienced, compassionate, and ready to provide you with good information about your potential personal injury lawsuit.

For more information:

• Oklahoma Senate
• CaseText
• Uber