Oklahoma City Rideshare Sexual Assault Legal Options - Free Initial Consultation, Top OKC Attorneys

Oklahoma City is a vibrant tourist destination with a thriving aviation and aerospace industry. These unique characteristics bring thousands of visitors to the Oklahoma metropolis, keeping Uber and Lyft drivers busy. Although riders perceive rideshare apps as a safe mode of travel, passenger reports of sexual assault have raised concerns and spurred lawsuits against the companies.

Victims of a rideshare sexual assault often suffer ongoing trauma in addition to physical injuries. The compassionate Oklahoma City attorneys at Carabin Shaw understand the challenges of coping with the aftermath of a sexual assault. Our team helps you understand your legal options to pursue damages for your economic and non-economic losses. Contact us 24/7 at 800-862-1260 for your free consultation.

Uber and Lyft both claim sexual assault incidents are rare in rideshare vehicles, but thousands of passengers have reported attacks since 2019. Uber reported 2,847 sexual violence incidents in 2019-2020, while Lyft received 4,158 sexual assault reports from 2017-2019. Sexual assault is a sexual act upon another person without their consent. Both Uber and Lyft categorized their reports as follows:

• Kissing a non-sexual body part
• Touching a sexual body part
• Kissing a sexual body part
• Attempted sexual penetration
• Sexual penetration

Non-consensual touching of a sexual body part was the most frequent complaint for both rideshare companies, followed by non-consensual kissing of a non-sexual body part in most cases. Uber reported 386 incidences of non-consensual sexual penetration (rape) during 2019 and 2020, while Lyft reported 360 rapes from 2017-2019. Your legal options will depend on the severity of the attack and your ability to gather evidence.

The trauma and violence of a sexual assault can make it difficult for victims to act afterward. However, your steps following an attack will determine your legal options. Medical treatment is critical to evaluate your injuries and collect DNA evidence. You should also report the incident to Uber or Lyft via their app.

Because laws surrounding sexual assault are complex and confusing, seek OKC Uber/Lyft sexual assault legal help right away. Your attorney can help you report the incident and collect evidence to build a strong case for damages. Attorneys specializing in sexual assault also provide support resources for victims, such as the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN).

Reporting the attack to the local police can lead to criminal charges. You also have the right to file a civil lawsuit against your assailant and the rideshare company to recover compensation for your damages. Victims have filed several sexual assault lawsuits against Uber and Lyft, claiming the companies failed to adequately protect passengers.

You may also file an Oklahoma City rideshare sexual assault lawsuit against a third party in some cases. For example, a hotel without proper security could be liable for allowing an assailant access to a victim’s room. Your lawyer could also seek damages from the hotel for their responsibility in the attack.

Sexual assault victims are often hesitant to pursue legal options because of fears they may have to face their attacker in court. However, most settlements are determined outside of the courtroom, and your attorney can appear on your behalf at any necessary conferences or hearings. The details of sexual assault cases are also confidential, protecting victims from retaliation.

Victims of rideshare sexual assault can seek economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Past and future medical bills
• Lost wages
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Mental anguish
• Loss of consortium

You can file a rideshare sexual assault lawsuit even if your attack occurred in a different state. However, the statute of limitations applies to these cases. Don’t wait to contact the experienced personal injury team at Carabin Shaw. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you don’t owe any money until we win your case. Previous client reviews demonstrate our commitment to sexual assault victims like you for over 25 years. Talk to one of our English- or Spanish-speaking representatives today at 800-862-1260.

For more information:

• Helping Survivors
• Cornell Law
• RAINN