Uber Hit with Class-Action over Sexual Assault Claims

Jan 18,2018

Uber faces a class-action lawsuit over sexual assault by its drivers. The lawsuit was filed in the North District of California in November by two anonymous women who were assaulted in separate incidents. The suit claims that Uber’s system allows for bad actors to gain access to vulnerable people.

One of the plaintiffs in the case was assaulted after she fell asleep in the backseat of an Uber in Los Angeles. The other was raped by an Uber driver in her Miami apartment. The driver was arrested for sexual battery. Uber did nothing but refund the victim $9.51 for the ride.

According to the lawsuit, Uber has failed to address the issue of sexual assault and violence by its drivers. Instead of rigorously background checking and following up with its drivers, the company continues to use low-cost, questionable background checks on drivers, the plaintiffs claim. Uber has also failed to monitor drivers for inappropriate conduct after they are hired.

Instead, Uber drivers are able to get customers into all kinds of dangerous situations. The lawsuit states that drivers can veer off-route, park in remote places, and even follow customers into their homes.

What Could Uber Do to Prevent Assaults?

The lawsuit lists several steps Uber could have taken to prevent these kinds of attacks. For one, they could permanently bar registered sex offenders from driving for Uber. They could also require in-person driver screenings, install video cameras in the vehicles and perform regular background checks on drivers.

“Uber has faced lots of criticism lately, from sexual assault charges to their terms of service that disadvantages passengers. It is time the company takes these issues seriously to protect their customers,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.