Sexually Assaulted by an Irving Tx Uber/Lyft Driver? Legal Options for Pursuing Compensation

Irving, Texas, is home to eight Fortune 500 companies and more than 140 international companies, attracting significant business travel to the city. Employees flying in often rely on ridesharing to get around, assuming it is the easiest and safest mode of commuting. Unfortunately, reports of sexual assault in rideshare vehicles have raised questions about how safe Uber and Lyft services are.

Only 1% of rideshare trips end with a report of sexual assault, but that means thousands of passengers have experienced trauma they must carry for a lifetime. If you or someone you know is the victim of a rideshare assault, contact the Irving TX sexual assault lawyers at Carabin Shaw right away for legal guidance. Our team is available 24/7 at 800-862-1260.

Elements of sexual assault include using force or fear to commit a sexual act without someone’s consent. It can also entail rendering a person unconscious by a drug or intoxicant or committing a sexual act on a person who is asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware the sexual act is occurring. Uber and Lyft place sexual assault into five categories:

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

Since Uber began reporting in 2017 and Lyft started in 2020, both companies have reported thousands of incidents of sexual assault. When reports are made public, rideshare companies quickly point out the additional safety features they implement to make rides safer. Unfortunately, steps come after assaults have occurred and may not go far enough in protecting rideshare passengers.

Business travelers to Irving face some risks when they use a rideshare to get around the city. Buckled into the backseat of a moving vehicle makes a passenger vulnerable to incidents due to their inability to get out quickly. It is critical to know that the rideshare company has thoroughly screened the person at the wheel of your vehicle before you trust them with your travels and your life.

Uber and Lyft perform driver background checks when someone begins driving for them and annually afterward, but is it sufficient to ensure safety? Both companies use third-party providers like Checkr to vet drivers, which may not provide sufficient information to ensure incident-free rides for passengers.

The checks typically only cover the past seven years, leaving older criminal records unknown. The background check companies often fail to access all criminal history databases, potentially hiring some drivers with arrest records. While most rideshare drivers likely have clean records, there are enough holes in the current process to risk hiring a driver with a criminal past.

If you are the victim of a sexual assault in a rideshare, the effects of the attack can be devastating and long-lasting. Many victims require medical care and extensive therapy to be able to move forward after the incident. Organizations like RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) assist sexual assault victims, while your lawyer can work on the legal aspects of your case.

Victims of a rideshare sexual assault may be eligible for compensation against the rideshare company for their injuries and losses. An attorney can help you determine damages that might include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Therapy expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish/emotional distress
• Disfigurement
• Loss of consortium

Your lawyer will also follow steps to protect your legal rights if you are sexually assaulted by a rideshare driver in Irving TX. From collecting evidence of your assault to negotiating with the rideshare company and representing you in court if necessary, you can rest assured your legal team will manage your case so you can focus on physical and emotional healing.

Don’t wait to get the support and legal help you need after a rideshare sexual assault in Texas. At Carabin Shaw, we offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you don’t owe anything until we win your case. Reviews from previous clients show how we have helped others collect ample compensation for their injuries and losses. English- and Spanish-speaking professionals are always available for a free case review and to answer your questions at 800-862-1260.

For more information:

• Helping Survivors
• Cornell Law
• Helping Survivors
• RAINN