The snowball continues to gather size. Assault MDL Cases As of September, the number of sexual assault and misconduct cases consolidated in the multi-district litigation against Uber has grown to over 1,300. This highlights the extensive scope of harm alleged and continued fallout for the ride-hailing giant.
In this article, we will explore the key details surrounding this escalating legal showdown.
Why Do People File Lawsuits Against Rideshare Companies?
Many lawsuits against major rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft allege the companies failed to ensure passenger and driver safety. Negligence claims often cite inadequate driver screening processes and a lack of emergency assistance and support for riders who experience assaults.
The goal of the lawsuits, including the Uber sexual assault lawsuit, is typically to enact policy changes. The changes include:
- Improved background checks,
- Additional driver training,
- Easily accessible emergency contact options,
- Streamlined reporting procedures,
- Better victim support services.
Some individuals also file personal injury lawsuits seeking financial compensation for harm caused by assaults that occurred during rideshare trips.
Survivors of sexual assault can find confidential support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline, available 24/7 at 1-800-656-4673 or through their online chat feature. Consumer Notice says the hotline connects callers with local counselors who can offer caring guidance throughout the reporting and healing journeys.
Two survivors, Jennifer and Alex, shared their stories with ABC7 News in hopes of influencing Uber’s safety practices regarding screening, hiring, and removing drivers. Jennifer took an Uber to avoid a poorly lit area, believing it would be safer. However, her driver quickly began asking inappropriate personal questions and later touched her without consent at her destination. Alex described feeling targeted as a vulnerable passenger.
Jennifer filed a police report, though the investigation remains open. While rideshare companies do not always notify passengers about driver removals, Uber confirmed that Jennifer’s driver had been deactivated.
The company also offered assistance like refunding the trip and connecting her to support resources. However, Jennifer notes she never imagined being assaulted during a short Uber ride.
Attorneys criticize Uber’s screening processes, arguing they aim to enroll drivers with minimal vetting because it boosts profits. Stronger screening and accountability could help prevent harm, according to Abrams and survivors advocating for policy reforms.
Latest Update on Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit
As of October 2024, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation reported over 1,346 federal lawsuits pending against Uber. These lawsuits relate to alleged sexual assaults by drivers. As per TorHoerman Law, this represents an 83-case increase from the prior month.
The survivors aim to hold Uber accountable, claiming negligence in safety practices and seeking damages. In early October, the parties attended a discovery conference before Magistrate Judge Cisneros. As per Lawsuit Information Center, issues discussed included Uber’s privilege logs, document production methods, and requests for related records and metadata.
One disagreement centered around auditing Uber’s production for complete family documentation. The judge ruled that Uber should not disclose certain employee files without cause. Another issue involved a subpoena to plaintiffs’ counsel concerning private information.
The judge encouraged resolving disputes cooperatively. The parties intend to extend discovery deadlines while conferring. No conclusions were reached, signifying the ongoing nature of the complex litigation. Survivors continue pursuing legal recourse through the multidistrict proceedings.
Uber Rolls Out New Safety Features Aimed at Protecting Women Passengers
Uber launched new customizable safety features within its app in April 2024, providing additional protections aimed specifically at helping women passengers feel safer.
“At Uber, we get it. And we believe when we make the world safer for women, we make it safer for everyone,” said Emilie Boman, Uber’s Director of Safety Public Policy, in announcing the updates.
As per WSMV4, among the new customizable options, riders can now opt to record audio during trips directly in the Uber app. Passengers also have the ability to receive a unique PIN code from drivers before rides begin.
The company’s new “RideCheck” feature will monitor for unexpected deviations from the planned route, extended stops, or premature endings. It will then send an in-app check-in to ensure everything is okay with the rider.
Users will be able to tailor their preferences to automatically activate safety tools based on their location or time of day. This could include all trips after 9 pm, each time departing from a bar or restaurant, or having the features enabled all day.
“A lot of those safety features are designed to be proactive rather than reactive. They provide a sense of peace of mind when we go out,” said Uber rider Kaylah Dowdell.
Uber riders appreciate the company’s ongoing efforts to improve safety and make trips feel more secure. The customized options provide added reassurance for vulnerable groups. But this cannot sideline the pain and struggle the victims have gone through so far. They surely deserve the justice they are demanding.
FAQs
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Are there options for female Uber drivers?
A: To avoid the uncertainty of using Uber or Lyft, which don’t allow passengers to choose their driver’s gender, some women may seek alternatives. Female passengers may prefer ride services that exclusively employ female drivers.
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What is the timeline for an Uber accident settlement?
A: The settlement process for passenger injury claims arising from Uber trips typically takes several months to a few years to complete. The specifics depend on the case complexity and the willingness of all parties to negotiate an agreement.
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Can passengers take legal action against Lyft?
A: In cases where passenger harm results from a Lyft driver’s negligent actions, pursuing litigation against Lyft is legally allowable in many jurisdictions. For many incidents, passengers can often resolve issues through Lyft’s insurance provider. With the help of experienced legal counsel, this can be done without the need to file a lawsuit.
The ongoing litigation and policy changes signal progress toward accountability and passenger protection. True justice will only come through meaningful redress of the suffering already inflicted.
Over 1,300 survivors are currently pursuing legal action. No amount of improved safety features or screening protocols can undo the deep trauma of sexual assault. Their courageous choice to take Uber to court in pursuit of damages is an effort to prevent future harm. It also represents a demand for acknowledgment and healing from wounds that may never fully heal.
As this complex multi-district litigation unfolds, their voices and experiences must continue guiding the path towards rebuilding trust where it was so grievously violated.
