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People frequently use rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft, but drivers are not always safe. There have been numerous incidents of drivers assaulting passengers, and some people have reported being sexually assaulted. If this happens, you should report the incident to the police and get a lawyer as soon as possible.
Sexual assaults may happen when a driver refuses to drop off a passenger and takes them to some other location. It can even happen during a ride, with the driver reaching over to grope or touch the passenger. Whatever the case may be, your damages may be significant. If you were physically harmed, you may have expensive medical bills, and the entire incident might have been traumatizing. We can help you gather records, assess damages, and prepare your case against the driver and possibly the rideshare company.
Speak to our lawyers for sexual assault in an Uber or Lyft about a free case review by calling The Queenan Law Firm at (817) 476-1797.
How Sexual Assault Can Occur in an Uber or Lyft
While many people use Uber and Lyft every day, some experience sexual assault at the hands of drivers. The circumstances surrounding the incident may determine how we approach your case.
In some cases, the driver refuses to stop the car for the passenger. They might drive the passenger somewhere other than their destination and assault them. Passengers may be unable to exit the moving vehicle, and they fear being stranded somewhere if they do not comply with the driver’s demands.
Other cases involve drivers who follow passengers out of the cart after they drop them off. You might exit the car to enter your home or apartment building, only to suddenly find that the driver is right behind you, pushing their way into your home.
It is also possible that the assault happens during the trip, and the driver might never even stop the car. This often involves things like groping or inappropriate touching. The driver could reach over to grope you and threaten to kick you out on the highway if you do not let them.
Possible Damages in a Case for Sexual Assault in a Lyft or Uber
Damages in sexual assault cases can be quite high, as sexual offenses are widely regarded as among the worst offenses.
Depending on how the assault occurred, you might have serious physical injuries that need urgent medical care. This is especially true in cases of violent assaults where victims struggled to defend themselves.
However, not all victims claim medical bills because they never go to a doctor. Many people fear going to a doctor because they worry that they will uncover the abuse, and they are not ready to come forward about what happened.
Perhaps the biggest contributor to your damages is the trauma and psychological distress from the abuse. This distress and turmoil can be severe in sexual assault cases. Many victims report never fully getting over what happened, and they might live with the psychological scars for years.
You may also claim damages for humiliation. Sexual assault or abuse is often very violating, and there is a deep sense of shame and humiliation among survivors. Others might try to come forward only to be further humiliated when nobody believes them. Your pain and suffering may be great, and you deserve fair compensation.
What Happens After Filing Your Sexual Assault Case in Denton?
Filing your case is only the first step in your lawsuit. After filing, there are several hearings and stages to go through before reaching a trial.
Once our lawyers for sexual assault in an Uber or Lyft file the case and serve notice to the defendant, they will file an answer with the court disputing the facts we allege. The court may then schedule pretrial conferences where we can exchange evidence during discovery and possibly work out a settlement.
The court will also schedule a trial, although the date may change as the case progresses. If either side needs more time to prepare or the case is just moving slower than anticipated, the court may push back the trial.
If the defendant is also facing criminal charges, we might have to wait before anything is scheduled in civil court. Criminal cases tend to take priority over civil claims, but if the defendant is found guilty, we can use the guilty verdict against them in civil court.
Records and Evidence to Prove Your Denton Sexual Assault Case
We should start collecting evidence to support your case immediately. Much evidence may come from records pertaining to the case.
When going up against a large company like Uber or Lyft, we may need certain business records. They might show us when you were picked up by the defendant in their vehicle, and whether this driver had been properly vetted before being approved to drive by the company.
Business records may also confirm other important details, like the date, time, and location of the incident.
After a sexual assault, it is a good idea to see a doctor. Even if you are not badly injured, the doctor can evaluate you for signs of abuse, and trained medical professionals may administer a rape kit. Medical records of your injuries and the results of rape kits may be paramount to proving your claims.
Who is Responsible for Sexual Assault Claims in an Uber or Lyft?
Talk to your attorney about how the assault happened so they can help you determine who should be held responsible.
Of course, the driver who assaulted you should be included in the case. If we know who they are and where to find them, filing your case should be relatively simple. However, if they fled the state or we are having trouble identifying them, we might need to investigate further before moving the case forward.
It might be difficult to sue Uber or Lyft for the sexual assault, but it might not be impossible. If Uber or Lyft did not properly vet the driver before allowing them to drive, we may argue that they are somewhat responsible.
Speak to Our Denton Attorneys for Sexual Assault in an Uber or Lyft Today
Speak to our lawyers for sexual assault in an Uber or Lyft about a free case review by calling The Queenan Law Firm at (817) 476-1797.