Uber passengers throughout the country are reporting incidents of abuse, harassment, and sexual assault by Uber drivers. These assaults take away an individual’s sense of safety and freedom to utilize these services without fear. If you or someone you care for were impacted by acts of abuse or sexual assault by an Uber driver, you have rights. Our law firm of experienced Houston Uber sexual assault lawyers is ready to take up the fight against rideshare services that hire dangerous drivers who put the lives of innocent passengers in jeopardy.
The Houston-based law firm of Williams Hart & Boundas has been at the forefront of Uber sexual assault cases from the start. Our law firm has never backed down from the challenges that face survivors in Uber sexual assault cases, and we demand accountability for the damages that our clients have suffered. We have fought nationwide for rideshare policy changes that ensure Uber passengers’ safety from sexual assault and abuse. Schedule your free case evaluation if you have experienced sexual assault by an Uber driver.
The Rise of Rideshare Sexual Assault
The rideshare industry has revolutionized how people travel throughout the country, providing simpler forms of transportation throughout crowded cities and allowing safer and easier commuting. However, over the years, complaints and reports of sexual assault and violence by Uber and other rideshare drivers have begun to trickle in, painting a more sinister picture of these services and the prevalence of sexual assault incidents. Physical assault often accompanies these unwanted encounters.
Because of our dedication to legal action in cases of sexual abuse generally and specifically by Uber and other rideshare drivers, the attorneys at Williams Hart & Boundas have documented thousands of sexual assault incidents, physical assaults, and sexual misconduct in the rideshare industry. We have witnessed the toll that acts of sexual misconduct have on each client, and we are ready to take the necessary legal action to fight for your rights and compensation.
Government Accountability Office’s Report on Ridesharing Safety
The latest safety report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) sheds light on sexual assault incidents, physical assaults, and acts of misconduct committed by rideshare drivers. Importantly, it highlights the rideshare industry’s lack of accountability for these incidents. The three major digital rideshare companies only shared their data and reports of sexual abuse for a single year out of three for this report.
Of the five state agencies selected for this report, they note that data on assault is not collected regularly. According to page 20 of this GAO report, approximately 4,600 incidents of sexual assault occurred and were categorized as the five most severe types of sexual assault incidents resulting from transportation arrangements made through the rideshare app for their service.
This safety report also recognizes that Uber and Lyft define sexual assault incidents by different definitions, making it challenging to quantify the number of reports of sexual assault accurately. Additionally, it is believed that many acts of sexual misconduct by Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare drivers go vastly unreported. The data gathered from rideshare companies’ reports of sexual assault only includes sexual assault incidents reported directly to them.
Furthermore, incident details are often underreported, making it difficult to classify the incident correctly. Finally, the numbers in this safety report do not adequately reflect the number of sexual assault incidents committed by an imposter rideshare driver.
Reporting Sexual Assault Incidents to Uber or Other Rideshare Platforms
A rideshare app provides an avenue for filing reports of sexual abuse against a driver. Making a safety report through the rideshare app is recommended. However, to ensure the incident of sexual assault is documented thoroughly, take these steps to protect your rights.
The initial recommended actions do not require representation by a law firm with a Houston sexual assault lawyer. However, should you choose to file a civil action for damages against a rideshare company, statements submitted to a rideshare company and with law enforcement may be used unfairly by the company’s legal representation against you.
The Uber sexual assault lawyers in Houston with Williams, Hart & Boundas strive to protect each client, beginning at the initial submission of reports of sexual assault until the final legal action is taken.
File a Report with Uber
To file a report with Uber, log in to the Uber rideshare app or go to the website. From either location online, you can submit a report by taking the following steps:
- Click the Help link.
- Choose Riders on their webpage and then select Help With a Trip or click the link directly through the app.
- In the app, choose the trip where the sexual assault incidents occurred, or I Have Feedback About my Driver or Vehicle on their webpage.
- Choose Report Safety Issue on your trip’s detail page or My Driver’s Behavior Made me Feel Unsafe on the Uber webpage.
File a Report with Law Enforcement
When evidence of sexual abuse is present, you should contact the authorities immediately. Filing a report with law enforcement is critical if you wish to pursue criminal charges. Evidence collected after the incident can be used in a criminal case against the Uber driver. Prosecuting attorneys where an Uber sexual assault has occurred will determine the appropriate criminal charges to file against the driver.
Contact a Houston Uber Sexual Assault Lawyer
A sexual assault lawyer with Williams, Hart & Boundas will discuss your options for filing a civil lawsuit against Uber or another rideshare company. We strive to play a vital role in helping individuals experiencing sexual assault to take legal action.
By seeking compensation, each individual can pursue the financial relief they need to heal from the trauma of sexual abuse. We can also assist with filing reports with Uber and local law enforcement, protecting your best interests throughout the process.
You are not alone in this experience that can often feel isolating for victims of these violent crimes. Williams Hart & Boundas is the nationally recognized Uber sexual assault legal team in Houston willing to fight for your rights and dignity. We have seen the devastation that violent acts committed by Uber drivers can cause, and we firmly stand against these acts, demanding compensation for your injuries through civil action.
Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuits Explained
As mentioned, survivors of sexual assault have a right to civil actions for legal compensation under Texas civil law for personal injuries sustained in an Uber assault injury or Uber sexual assault. Victims of sexual assault may choose to file a civil lawsuit against Uber, as well as the driver. William, Hart & Boundas will relentlessly work to show that Uber had a duty of care to provide safe drivers and their lack of thorough safety procedures put rideshare clients in harm’s way.
Prior to May 2018, Uber practiced mandatory arbitration in Uber sexual assaults and Uber assault injuries. After the acknowledgment of the deeply rooted problem of sexual assault and harassment experienced by Uber users, drivers for the company, and its employees, this mandate was removed, allowing individuals to seek compensation through a lawsuit or settlement. Additionally, the requirement of a confidentiality provision was also removed, allowing the survivors of sexual assault to speak out about the injuries they suffered.
Parents also utilize rideshare platforms to transport their minor children safely. If your child is impacted by an Uber assault injury, we are here to provide the sensitive legal navigation you and your child need. Parents or legal guardians in Texas have the right to file a civil lawsuit on behalf of a child to seek compensation for their injuries.
We Support Our Clients Through Their Recovery
We focus on reducing the toll on the mental health of the survivors of sexual assault. Our attorneys understand that recovery can be filled with complex emotions and many questions about the legal process. No matter the circumstances surrounding an Uber assault injury, these acts are never your fault, even if you were intoxicated or drinking when the assault occurred.
While everyone’s story is different, understanding you are not alone and developing the skills to process and confront the trauma of sexual assault can help survivors thrive and find a path to healing. Our Uber sexual assault lawyers are dedicated to supporting your emotional, psychological, and financial recovery from your experience. We take every action possible to connect you with resources and experts who can guide you through the process of getting your life back together.
Potential Recoverable Damages in an Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit
The damages victims of sexual assault may claim for an Uber assault injury will vary from case to case. Each client’s experience is unique. Quantifying the damages you have experienced will require the legal counsel of our experienced team of Houston Uber sexual assault lawyers. They can assess your situation and help you compile a list of economic damages you have suffered. In addition, we will discuss the non-economic damages you may experience. Common damages our clients seek include:
- All medical bills related to the care needed after an Uber assault injury
- Lost work and wages during recovery
- Therapies and ongoing treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Emotional anguish
Additionally, Uber or another rideshare company may be liable for deceptive marketing practices that create the illusion of safe transportation for their clients. The court may also factor in a lack of oversight if the company does not provide appropriate monitoring while drivers are performing their duties.
Sexual Assault Claims
A sexual assault claim begins with you speaking with an Uber sexual assault attorney in Houston. We are here for you and believe in your right to demand compensation for your injuries. Take these steps to begin the road to recovery through the sexual assault litigation process.
Document the Assault by an Uber Driver in Texas
Before calling, write down the experience you endured in your own words. Writing down these events can be highly emotional. It is okay to ask for the support of a trusted friend or family member to be with you while you detail the events on paper or in a document. Take pictures of any evidence you may have, such as bruising, scarring, or damage to clothing or personal effects. If physical evidence was collected after the incident, note these specifics in your document.
Review Your Claim with A Houston Uber Sexual Assault Attorney
Speak with a firm member at Williams, Hart & Boundas as soon as possible. A free case evaluation lets us know how we can serve you better. Once you sign contract with our law firm, we begin the process of moving toward filing a civil lawsuit in Texas, filing the appropriate paperwork against the rideshare company.
We will also assist with sexual assault litigation against the driver if this is the best choice for your case. You are a part of the team, making critical decisions that are best for your future and recovery.
Respond to Court Summons
Once your case has been filed with the courts, we will respond to any requests for court appearances or additional filings. Uber sexual assault survivors can choose to protect their privacy by filing their cases under pseudonyms as plaintiffs. We will discuss filing under the identities of Jane Doe or John Doe to protect your interests. However, if you prefer to move forward with sexual assault litigation in your name, we respect your wishes.
Begin the Discovery Process
In addition to the information a client documents about the events of an Uber sexual assault, a Houston Uber sexual assault lawyer will research whether the company performed the appropriate background checks. As a rideshare company, Uber’s background screening policy states it screens a driver’s adult history beginning at 18, with background checks being performed according to the requirements established where an act of violence occurred. We will review and document whether the appropriate measures were taken.
A significant downfall in the background screening process is that standards and regulations across jurisdictions create tremendous inconsistencies from state to state. Background checks may also fail to identify every county a potential driver has resided in. Potentially dangerous drivers going by multiple names in various locations may be overlooked due to the costs of running multiple checks.
Williams, Hart & Boundas serves as a mediator between you and other parties in the case. We are here to serve as a buffer between you and the stressors and overwhelming circumstances that often accompany civil lawsuits. We will also be prepared to demand the maximum compensation owed to you by a rideshare company. Our legal team stands firm when it comes to protecting your rights against those who harmed you.
Determine a Settlement Agreement or Proceed to Trial
As successful negotiators, we will work toward a fair settlement that adequately represents your damages. However, with a client’s permission, we will proceed in court when a fair settlement cannot be reached. Again, you are part of the team driving the decisions that determine the outcome in your case.
Our law firm is recognized as one of the leaders in the U.S. for its trial experience in rideshare sexual assault litigation. We are prepared to offer the support you need to weather this storm, striving to help clients reclaim their power through a court verdict. We have been representing clients in rideshare sexual assault litigation cases before rideshare companies began reporting publicly on the increasing dangers of rideshare sexual assaults.
Why Uber Sexual Assault Survivors Are Choosing to Pursue Civil Lawsuits
A rideshare company’s knowledge of the rise in the incidents of Uber sexual assaults is an indicator that preventive action could have been taken to protect its passengers. However, a failure to act may have resulted in the ongoing incidents of sexual assaults. Having inadequate safety measures in place can leave plaintiffs feeling that more could have been done to prevent the damages they suffered. Often, no response at all or a slow response to a sexual assault has resulted in individuals feeling victimized further by the company.
Sexual Assault Claims Against Lyft
The experienced attorneys of Williams, Hart & Boundas have also helped pave the way for survivors of Lyft sexual assault cases, working with clients to offer support when reporting an incident. Members of our team have been appointed to the Lyft litigation Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee, creating successful avenues toward compensation in Lyft civil lawsuits. Speak with a Lyft sexual assault lawyer in Houston before reporting a Lyft sexual assault to the rideshare platform for guidance with submitting your report.
Across three years, Lyft’s number of sexual assaults continued to climb, threatening innocent passengers and drivers for Lyft. Thousands of incidents of sexual assault impacted passengers, causing psychological and physical devastation to the victims.
If a Lyft sexual assault has impacted you or someone you love, contact our firm to schedule a free consultation with an experienced authority on Lyft sexual assault cases to discuss your claim. Our Houston Lyft sexual assault lawyers have dedicated years to empowering victims impacted by violence stemming from drivers of rideshare platforms. Williams, Hart & Boundas will tirelessly work to uncover incidents of Lyft failing to perform adequate background checks and other actions threatening your safety.
Uber Drivers Assaulted by Passengers
Uber rideshare drivers are also significantly impacted by assaults from passengers. Rideshare drivers face challenging risks when performing this high-demand service. One of the identified areas of concern is that the Uber U.S. Safety Report focuses more on the impact of assaults on drivers than passengers. However, driver safety is a growing concern. According to the report:
- Rideshare drivers accounted for 25% of the individuals filing a report using the app.
- Riders using Uber services were identified as the party committing sexual assault against a driver in 43% of the incidents.
Even though drivers for rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft work as contractors for these companies instead of employees, these businesses are responsible for keeping those performing a job for them safe. If you or someone you care for was injured while giving Uber rides, Williams, Hart & Boundas will support you in your legal fight.
Why Choose Williams Hart & Boundas To Be Your Uber Sexual Assault Attorneys
Williams, Hart & Boundas is highly regarded for its unrelenting handling of Uber sexual assault cases. We are one of the first law firms recognized for combatting rideshare sexual assault in Houston and throughout the U.S. We offer an advanced understanding of rideshare laws paired with our record of success litigating rideshare cases.
Our legal team is paving the way for Uber sexual assault cases to be tried in multidistrict litigation. This permits individual case documentation to contribute to the whole of the evidence, discovery, and procedural requirements in multiple lawsuits. These actions create a more effective effort to coordinate numerous plaintiffs’ lawsuits against one defendant under one judge.
We have represented thousands of survivors of rideshare assaults and are ready to fight for you. An experienced personal injury attorney in Houston will compassionately listen to understand your individual experience, establish a trusting attorney-client relationship, and support your recovery.
We Are Known for Our Skill and Advocacy
The Williams, Hart & Boundas legal team shares over 40 years of combined legal experience and is recognized for its commitment to each client. We are an accessible team of trial lawyers who communicate effectively with our clients and strive to reduce the financial impact and emotional toll of sexual assault.
Not only are we recognized locally for our commitment to our community, but we are also a nationally recognized legal team earning multiple distinguished awards. However, the results we secure for our clients are more important than the awards we receive. Our winning verdicts have resulted in billions of dollars in compensation for our clients.
Our past results cannot guarantee your settlement or judgment in an Uber, Lyft, or rideshare case. Still, it does set the standard that we strive to achieve, understanding that a successful attorney-client relationship provides avenues for seeking help to recover from the trauma of sexual assault.
The Discovery Rule and Houston Uber Sexual Assault Cases
Texas law establishes a statute of limitations in personal injury cases, limiting the time individuals have to file a lawsuit to two years from the date the damages occurred. However, because of the psychological complexities of sexual assault cases, individuals may repress these traumas, preventing them from fully comprehending the violent incident or the extent of their condition.
The discovery rule allows a sexual assault survivor to seek legal action beyond the scope of the normal two-year timeframe when the damages are discovered at a later time. Speaking with a Houston Uber sexual assault attorney can provide you with a better understanding of your legal rights within the time that has passed. We understand a client’s hesitation to come forward but never recommend waiting to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney, as critical evidence may be lost.
Discussing your claim with our legal team does not obligate you to take legal action, but it will provide insight into how we can pursue your case within the statute of limitations. Various laws may apply to underage individuals and to those deemed to have an unsound mind under the law. Let us remove the guesswork when you schedule your free appointment to discuss your case.
Contact An Uber Sexual Assault Lawyer Today
Our legal team at Williams, Hart & Boundas is not only familiar with legal representation in Uber sexual assault cases, but we remain dedicated to becoming more informed about the trauma these cases cause for our clients. We recognize that the choice in legal representation can contribute to the trauma of a client when their experience and deep hurt are not recognized for their ability to cause lifelong wounds and scars.
Our legal team wants to be part of your healing experience. Each client plays a role in a case’s decisions. The victory we strive for is not about us but about you. That is why we explain all the available options to you, along with their potential outcomes.
Not only do Williams, Hart & Boundas offer free consultations, but we are a law firm that works on a contingency fee basis. Our commitment to you is demonstrated by the fact that we require no upfront fees for our services. Additionally, we do not charge for our services unless we secure financial compensation for you. To represent thousands of survivors successfully, we are committed to each client every step of the way, whether a settlement is reached or a jury reaches a verdict. You are not alone in your fight against sexual assault when our team is on your side.
Houston Uber sexual assault lawyers
Were you sexually assaulted by a rideshare driver? The Houston Uber sexual assault lawyers at Williams Hart & Boundas fight to protect the rights of passengers that have been sexually assaulted by Uber drivers nationwide. Contact us today for a free consultation.