Rideshare Injuries Through Assault: Are You at Risk?

MOUNT PLEASANT, Texas. The New York Times reports that a man known in San Francisco as the “ride share rapist” has been charged with assaulting four women. The man would pose as a driver for popular ride share companies, pick up unsuspecting women, and assault them. The story raises concerns for ride share riders. How common are rideshare assaults and are you at risk?

The Times reports that Lyft confirmed that the man charged with the ride share rapes once drove for the company. The company doesn’t believe the man committed the attacks while working. However, there have been cases where riders have been attacked by their drivers. According to CNN, 103 Uber drivers face accusations of sexual assault and abuse. CNN reports that the 103 cases are drawn from records of arrests, warrants for arrests, and for civil suits against drivers. These numbers only account for the victims who have come forward. Many victims of sexual assault never speak up.

One woman in San Diego claims that her Uber driver assaulted her after she passed out in his back seat. Another woman claims she woke up the next morning in a destination she hadn’t chosen and realized she had been raped. It appears that Uber doesn’t keep records of assaults among those who use its ride share platform. This creates a situation where riders may not fully be informed of their risk. Some victims of assault are suing ride share companies, claiming that ride share companies bill their services as safe when they have no ability to guarantee their safety.

CNN reports that Uber will now perform background checks on its drivers every 2 years. The background checks will evaluate drivers for DUIs and for criminal offenses. According to CNN, the announcement comes in the wake of women telling their stories of assault while riding in the company’s ride shares. CNN reports that the company could potentially face a class action lawsuit from the women who believe that the company did not do enough to ensure their safety. As it currently stands, Uber’s background checks only go back 7 years.

So, what can passengers do to keep themselves safe? Uber recommends that riders double check their driver’s license plate, driver photo, and driver name before they get into the vehicle. This can prevent situations where riders end up in the wrong car (and end up in the wrong destination) and also protect riders from predators.

Uber also offers a feature that allows riders to share their ride status with friends. By letting your friends know where you’re headed, if you don’t arrive, they can take steps to find you. Riders should also listen to their gut. If you feel that you are in an unsafe situation, call 911.

If you have been assaulted or hurt in a ride share, you may have important rights under the law. The Cooper Law Firm are personal injury lawyers in Mount Pleasant, Texas who help clients seek damages when they have been hurt due to another person’s neglect, negligence, or violence. If you have been hurt, reach out to us at https://www.cooper-law-firm.com/.

Cooper Law Firm
501 N Third St,
Longview, TX 75601
Telephone: (903) 297-0037