Holding Ridesharing Companies Accountable for Passenger Physical Assault in Albuquerque NM

Each year, multiple people are killed in rideshare physical assaults, and there are many more who experience non-deadly threats and altercations. The victims may be drivers or passengers, and their damages can result in costly medical bills and emotional damages. If you have been injured in an Albuquerque, NM rideshare physical assault, calling a lawyer will help you to recover from your physical and emotional injuries.

We recommend that you seek legal help for rideshare assault in Albuquerque at Carabin Shaw. With decades of personal injury experience, our team is dedicated to easing the legal process and helping to maximize your judgment. Read our client reviews to learn about how we’ve helped so many people get compensation they deserve for their injuries. Then call today for a free consultation.

While the criminal court system classifies assault and battery as a crime, the New Mexico civil court system classifies it as an intentional tort. An assault is when a person threatens another person with physical harm, while battery is the actual physical contact that causes harm. The person who commits this act can be liable in criminal and civil court.

Examples of rideshare passenger assault and battery include:

• Threatening to hurt or kill
• Unwanted touching
• Restraining
• Striking or pushing

Rideshare passenger assault can be life threatening, and there were 9 fatalities on Ubers between 2019-2020 because of physical assault.

The first thing to do after a rideshare physical assault is to make sure you are safe. Seek medical attention, and report the crime. In addition, you should call an Albuquerque NM rideshare assault lawyer as soon as possible.

Calling an attorney is essential to ensuring that you can collect evidence and file a lawsuit within New Mexico’s three-year statute of limitations. Three years may seem like a long time, but victims of rideshare physical assault may find that it passes quickly. Timeliness improves your chances for success in a personal injury lawsuit.

Government agencies typically classify Uber and Lyft drivers as independent contractors, which makes it difficult for your rideshare injury attorney in Albuquerque, New Mexico to sue Uber or Lyft. In other words, the companies are not generally liable for the actions of the drivers. The companies have strict rules about drivers carrying vehicle insurance that covers passengers in the event of an accident. However, liability following a rideshare assault is not an automobile insurance issue.

Holding drivers accountable for intentional harm makes sense, but companies also may have vicarious liability for the actions of their employees. You cannot guarantee that the court will hold Uber and Lyft accountable for the criminal actions of their independent contractors in civil court, but a lawyer may argue gross negligence in hiring practices or failure to address safety issues. It is possible to hold rideshare companies accountable, but the drivers independent contractor classification makes it more difficult.

If you have been attacked by an Uber/Lyft driver in Albuquerque, don’t wait to call a lawyer. Knowing that you have a legal team handling your case provides peace of mind that can aid you in your healing process.

The lawyers at Carabin Shaw will help you understand your legal options after a rideshare physical assault. Call our toll-free number at 800-862-1260 to get started. We have English- AND Spanish-speaking staff available 24/7 to answer your call, and we offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you don’t have to worry about paying us until you have received a judgment. Get the compensation you deserve with Carabin Shaw.

For more information:

• Justia
• Uber
• State of New Mexico Compendium of Law