Empowering Laredo Rideshare Sexual Assault Survivors Through Legal Action

Thousands of Texans take trips with Uber and Lyft every day, trusting their drivers to get them to their destination in a safe and timely manner. The sad reality is that there are drivers among these companies’ ranks who seek to violate that trust, and have done so in alarming numbers over the last decade in Laredo and elsewhere.

We know this because Uber released a US Safety Report in 2019 that detailed about three years worth of harassment and assault during rides booked on their app. Over 3,000 Uber sexual assault cases were reported between 2019–2020, with over half being reported against the driver. A decline in these numbers is likely due to fewer rides given in recent years, and it’s important to know that not every instance of assault is reported.

If you or someone you love were the survivor of a Laredo rideshare sexual assault, know that there is help available to you and you don’t need to find a way forward alone. Carabin Shaw has the most experienced and determined assault lawyers in Laredo; you can count on us to fight for the justice you deserve with the utmost urgency and confidentiality. We also offer free case reviews and initial consultations for all potential clients so you can be sure we’re the right team for you and your case.

A rideshare assault can leave a survivor reeling, in a state of shock and mistrust. It’s important, however, to try to focus and remember to reach out to the places that can keep you on track to get back to your life.

The first steps you should take are:

• If you’re injured, seek help immediately. Call 911 to get transportation if needed or get to a hospital to have your injuries treated.
• File a police report. Use as much information as you can from the app and your own memory of the incident to be as thorough as possible in describing the assault.
• Start documenting the incident in as much detail as you can remember. Having this information ready will help you make a stronger case when the time comes.
• Seek legal representation from a qualified rideshare injury attorney. The Laredo, Texas attorneys at Carabin Shaw know that survivors and their legal team need to act quickly to win all the damages that are owed.

Many rideshare assault survivors may wonder if they have grounds to sue the rideshare company they booked with, and the answer is yes. A company like Uber or Lyft can be sued for negligence in hiring, screening, and responding to allegations about their drivers. These companies have worked to protect themselves better in the wake of consistent assault reports and growing rideshare safety concerns, which is why you need experience on your side.

At Carabin Shaw, we’ve seen companies try to avoid liability however they can. We can anticipate certain moves the rideshare company you’re suing might make and take preemptive action. Staying a step ahead of people and businesses wishing to deny their negligence is what makes Carabin Shaw such an asset to our clients. You can read more about client experiences in Carabin Shaw’s client reviews.

You’ll generally be able to make a stronger case the less you wait after an assault to take legal action. After collecting yourself and getting medical attention, call Carabin Shaw for a free case review. Our toll-free number is 800-862-1260 and we have English and Spanish-speaking representatives available 24/7 to answer all of your questions.