How to File An Uber Sexual Harassment Claim

Sexual harassment experienced during an Uber ride can include a variety of misconduct that violates passengers’ fundamental right to safe transportation.

The most commonly reported types of sexual harassment and assault in Uber vehicles fall into distinct categories:

• Unwanted touching and groping: Non-consensual contact with intimate body parts, often occurring when passengers are vulnerable or impaired, representing the most frequently reported category of physical assault
• Forced kissing and sexual contact: Uber drivers initiating unwanted kissing of sexual or non-sexual body parts, exploiting their control over the vehicle environment to trap passengers
• Indecent exposure and masturbation: Drivers exposing themselves or engaging in sexual acts while passengers are trapped in moving vehicles, creating threatening environments designed to intimidate
• Rape and attempted penetration: The most severe assaults involving forced or coerced sexual penetration, often preceded by route deviations to isolated locations where passengers cannot escape

Statistical analysis of Uber’s own safety data reveals alarming patterns: drivers were the accused perpetrators in 56% of sexual assault cases from 2019-2020, with notably few female drivers in the fleet, while in the most severe cases involving rape, 91% of survivors were Uber passengers.

Among rape cases specifically, 91% of victims were riders in an Uber, with women comprising 81% of rape survivors.

These statistics underscore a clear pattern of drivers exploiting their position of control over vulnerable passengers, particularly women traveling alone, a reality that has fueled public backlash against the company’s failure to properly screen its drivers.

Between 2017 and 2022, Uber received a report of sexual assault or sexual misconduct in the United States almost every eight minutes, totaling 400,181 reports in just five years.

If you or a loved one has experienced sexual harassment or assault during an Uber ride, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing an Uber sexual harassment lawsuit today.

Psychological Trauma Criteria for Sexual Harassment MDLs

Recognizing warning signs of potential harassment can help passengers identify dangerous situations before they escalate, though survivors should never blame themselves for failing to detect these indicators.

TruLaw partners with litigation leaders who understand that predatory behavior often follows recognizable patterns that Uber has failed to address through adequate driver screening and safety measures.

Common warning signs and red flags that frequently precede or accompany harassment include behaviors designed to test boundaries and isolate victims:

• Route deviations without explanation: Drivers departing from GPS-directed routes, taking longer paths through isolated areas, or making unauthorized stops that isolate passengers from help
• Inappropriate personal questions: Inquiries about relationship status, living arrangements, sexual preferences, or whether passengers live alone, particularly escalating when passengers appear vulnerable
• Unprofessional behavior and boundary violations: Comments about physical appearance, requests for personal contact information, attempts to extend rides beyond destinations, or suggestions to continue interactions after trips
• Vehicle control manipulation: Locking doors unnecessarily, refusing to stop when requested, speeding to intimidate passengers, or claiming mechanical issues to justify stopping in isolated locations

Passengers experiencing any of these behaviors should trust their instincts and take immediate action to protect themselves, including ending the ride early, contacting emergency services, and reporting the incident through the app.

According to EEOC guidelines, sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment, standards enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

TruLaw recognizes that every incident of harassment in an Uber represents a failure of the company’s duty of care to passengers who trusted the platform for safe transportation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing an Uber sexual harassment lawsuit today.

The strength of these legal arguments has been validated through recent court rulings that rejected Uber’s attempts to dismiss claims, with judges recognizing that the company’s business model creates specific duties to protect passengers from foreseeable sexual assault risks.

Uber’s legal duty as a transportation service provider requires the company to implement reasonable safety measures that protect passengers from foreseeable harm, including sexual assault and harassment by drivers, a duty the lawsuit alleges Uber has repeatedly violated.

Negligence and Duty of Care Standards

This duty of care extends beyond traditional negligence theories, with federal courts specifically recognizing that Uber cannot escape liability simply by labeling drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, despite the company’s zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct.

The foundation of negligence claims against Uber rests on several key legal principles that courts have consistently upheld:

• Common carrier liability establishment: Judge Breyer’s 2024 ruling confirmed that Uber’s acceptance of its status as a common carrier creates non-delegable duties to passengers, requiring the highest degree of care for passenger safety consistent with practical business operations
• Foreseeability of systematic assault risks: Uber’s own safety reports and internal documents demonstrate the company has known since at least 2014 that sexual assault represents a foreseeable and recurring risk, with reports occurring almost every eight minutes between 2017-2022
• Failure to implement available safety technology: Despite successful testing of emergency buttons, automatic trip recording, and real-time ride monitoring in select cities, Uber chose not to deploy these tools system-wide to maximize profits
• Pattern of inadequate driver screening: Evidence reveals Uber’s background check processes systematically miss criminal histories, prior complaints, and red flags that traditional taxi companies would catch through fingerprinting and comprehensive vetting
• Deliberate indifference to victim reports: Internal documents show Uber received over 400,000 sexual misconduct reports in recent years but failed to remove dangerous drivers, implement safety improvements, or warn future passengers about known risks (patterns that have been confirmed by former employee testimony in ongoing litigation)

While Judge Breyer’s July 2025 ruling dismissed some generic fraud claims related to broad marketing slogans like “Don’t drink and drive, call an Uber,” he specifically preserved more substantial allegations that Uber’s in-app driver notifications constitute deceptive practices.

The court recognized that displaying driver names, photos, and ratings while concealing prior misconduct complaints or criminal histories could constitute actionable fraud, particularly when passengers are sexually harassed despite assurances of rider safety.

Product Liability and Design Defect Claims

TruLaw leverages innovative product liability theories that treat the Uber app as a defectively designed product lacking essential safety features that would prevent sexual assault and harassment.

These cutting-edge legal approaches recognize that digital platforms shape user behavior and create specific risks, making app developers liable when design choices unnecessarily endanger users, as the lawsuit claims.

Product liability claims against Uber focus on three primary categories of actionable design defects:

• Absence of gender matching options: The app’s failure to allow passengers to request same-gender drivers constitutes a design defect, particularly given Uber’s internal data showing assault reports are approximately four times higher in cross-gender pairings
• Missing panic and recording features: Despite successful testing of emergency buttons, automatic trip recording, and real-time ride monitoring – Uber implemented these proven safety features in only limited markets (refusing system-wide deployment that could make rides safer) in order to reduce operational costs
• Suppressed safety algorithms: Uber developed but refused to deploy its “Safe Ride Matching” system that could prevent 15% of sexual assault incidents by blocking high-risk driver-passenger combinations based on behavioral patterns

The court must determine whether mobile applications qualify as “products” subject to strict liability standards, with the decision expected to influence federal litigation across all jurisdictions.

This certification represents a pivotal moment in technology liability law, as a favorable ruling would allow survivors to pursue claims under strict liability theories that don’t require proving traditional negligence elements.

Taking legal action against Uber after experiencing sexual harassment or assault requires immediate, methodical steps to preserve evidence and build the strongest possible case for justice and compensation.

TruLaw understands that survivors face overwhelming emotional trauma while managing intricate legal procedures, which is why our team provides comprehensive guidance through every stage of the claims process.

From the moment of the incident through final resolution, TruLaw partners with sexual harassment litigation leaders in San Francisco and nationwide to ensure survivors receive both the immediate support they need and the long-term legal advocacy required to hold Uber accountable for its systematic failures to improve safety and protect passenger well-being.

Immediate Actions and Documentation

The first 72 hours following a sexual assault or harassment incident are paramount for preserving evidence and protecting your legal rights, though survivors should prioritize their physical safety and emotional well-being above all other concerns.

Medical forensic examinations conducted within this timeframe can collect DNA evidence and document injuries that serve as powerful evidence in civil litigation, while prompt reporting creates an official record that strengthens future legal claims for potential claimants.

Your immediate safety and medical needs should take absolute priority through these key steps:

1. Get to a secure location: If you are still in the Uber vehicle or an unsafe area, prioritize reaching a well-lit public place or trusted location where you feel protected
2. Contact emergency services: Call 911 immediately if you are in immediate danger, injured, or need emergency medical attention
3. Seek medical attention: Visit an emergency room or contact a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) within 72 hours for a comprehensive medical forensic examination, even if you believe you were not physically injured
4. Preserve physical evidence: Do not shower, brush your teeth, change clothes, or discard any items worn during the incident until after a medical examination
5. Report to law enforcement: While not required for civil claims, filing a police report creates an official record that can support your case and potentially prevent future assaults

The Sexual Assault Forensic Examination represents one of the most powerful tools available for building a strong legal case against Uber.

During this examination, a trained SANE nurse will collect DNA evidence, photograph injuries, and document the assault in detail.

Importantly, you should never be charged for this examination, as the Violence Against Women Act requires states to provide zero-cost forensic exams to maintain federal funding eligibility.

The examination can take several hours to complete, but the evidence collected may prove invaluable in establishing both the assault and Uber’s liability, particularly in passenger sexual assault litigation.

Document everything related to your Uber ride and the incident by capturing:

• Screenshots of Uber trip details: Capture images of your ride history showing driver information, vehicle details, route taken, trip duration, and any ratings or comments
• Preserve app communications: Save any messages exchanged with the driver through the Uber app or other platforms
• Contact information: Record the driver’s name, photo, license plate number, and vehicle description exactly as shown in the app
• Route documentation: Note any deviations from the expected route, stops at unusual locations, or attempts to isolate you
• Witness information: Collect contact details for anyone who witnessed the incident, your distress afterward, or any unusual behavior by the driver
• Photo and video evidence: Document any visible injuries, torn clothing, or other physical evidence of the assault
• Written account: Record your detailed recollection of events while memory is fresh, including specific words spoken, actions taken, and your emotional state

Reporting the incident to Uber through their app creates an official company record, though survivors should understand that Uber’s internal reporting system has substantial limitations and is designed primarily to protect the company rather than support victims.

Nevertheless, this report establishes that Uber received notice of the assault and failed to take appropriate action, as reported by the New York Times in their coverage of the company’s handling of such incidents.

When reporting through the app, be sure to save screenshots of all communications and request confirmation that your report has been received and assigned a case number, as any retaliation from the company could strengthen your legal case.

Your ongoing documentation should include the following comprehensive records:

• Medical records: Obtain copies of all medical treatment related to the assault, including emergency room visits, therapy sessions, and psychiatric evaluations
• Financial records: Document all expenses related to the assault, including medical bills, therapy costs, transportation expenses, and lost wages from missed work
• Communication logs: Preserve any subsequent contact from Uber, including their investigation process, resolution offered, or attempts to minimize the incident
• Behavioral changes: Keep a journal documenting how the assault has affected your daily life, relationships, work performance, and mental health
• Follow-up care: Maintain records of all ongoing medical treatment, counseling sessions, and support services accessed as a result of the assault

If you have experienced sexual harassment or assault in an Uber, taking these immediate documentation steps can substantially strengthen your legal claim.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and learn how we can help you preserve evidence and build a powerful case for justice.

Working with TruLaw’s Legal Team

TruLaw’s comprehensive approach to Uber sexual harassment litigation combines compassionate client support with aggressive legal advocacy, ensuring survivors receive both the emotional guidance they need and the skilled representation required to secure maximum compensation.

Our legal assistance team operates exclusively on a contingency fee basis, meaning survivors never pay attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation on their behalf, and we advance all litigation costs to ensure financial barriers never prevent access to justice.

The initial consultation process prioritizes survivor comfort and confidentiality while conducting a thorough evaluation of legal options and case strength.

TruLaw’s experienced attorneys understand that discussing traumatic experiences requires sensitivity and patience, which is why our intake process is designed to gather necessary information without re-traumatizing survivors.

During this confidential consultation, our legal team will assess the viability of your claims, explain available legal options, and outline the expected timeline for resolution.

TruLaw’s initial case evaluation process includes these comprehensive components:

• Confidential consultation: All initial meetings are conducted in a private, comfortable setting with trauma-informed attorneys who specialize in sexual assault litigation
• Comprehensive case assessment: Our legal team evaluates the strength of your claims based on available evidence, applicable statutes of limitations, and potential damages
• Legal options explanation: We provide detailed information about different litigation pathways, including individual lawsuits versus joining the existing MDL consolidation
• Timeline establishment: Our attorneys outline realistic expectations for case duration, key milestones, and potential settlement negotiations
• Cost transparency: We explain our contingency fee structure and advance all litigation expenses, ensuring you understand there are no upfront costs for legal representation

Once TruLaw accepts your case, our legal team begins an immediate and thorough investigation to build the strongest possible foundation for your claims.

This investigation leverages our partnerships with sexual harassment litigation leaders nationwide and utilizes cutting-edge investigative techniques to uncover evidence of Uber’s negligence and the full extent of damages suffered.

Our Uber sexual assault attorney at TruLaw is dedicated to supporting survivors through the process of filing an Uber sexual assault lawsuit.

With extensive experience in personal injury and sexual assault litigation cases, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman and our partner law firms work with trauma experts and safety advocates to prove how Uber’s negligent safety practices and inadequate driver screening led to your harm.

TruLaw focuses on securing compensation for medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages resulting from sexual assault or harassment during Uber rides.

We understand the profound physical and emotional trauma that sexual assault survivors experience and provide the compassionate, confidential guidance you need when seeking justice.

Meet the Lead Uber Sexual Assault Attorney at TruLaw

Meet our lead Uber sexual assault attorney:

• Jessica Paluch-Hoerman: As founder and managing attorney of TruLaw, Jessica brings her extensive experience in personal injury litigation and victim advocacy to her client-centered approach by prioritizing confidentiality, compassion, and personalized attention with survivors. Through TruLaw and partner law firms, Jessica has helped collect over $3 billion on behalf of injured individuals across all 50 states through verdicts and negotiated settlements.

How much does hiring an Uber sexual assault lawyer from TruLaw cost?

At TruLaw, we believe financial concerns should never stand in the way of justice.

That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis—with this approach, you only pay legal fees after you’ve been awarded compensation for your injuries.

If you or a loved one experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment, unwanted sexual contact, or other forms of sexual violence during an Uber ride, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing an Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit today.

Uber sexual assault lawsuits are being filed by survivors across the country who experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment, or other forms of sexual violence during Uber rides.

TruLaw is currently accepting clients for the Uber sexual assault lawsuit.

A few reasons to choose TruLaw for your Uber sexual assault lawsuit include:

• If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay: The Uber sexual assault lawyers at TruLaw and our partner firms operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win.
• Expertise: We have decades of experience handling personal injury and sexual assault cases similar to the Uber lawsuit.
• Successful Track Record: TruLaw and our partner law firms have helped our clients recover billions of dollars in compensation through verdicts and negotiated settlements.

If you or a loved one experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment, unwanted sexual contact, or other forms of sexual violence during an Uber ride, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine if you qualify to join others in filing an Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit today.