What to Do If You're Assaulted by Your Uber Driver

Ridesharing services like Uber have revolutionized transportation, but instances of driver misconduct, including assault, have been reported—giving riders concerns about how safe these rideshare apps truly are. 

Although popular rideshare apps categorize drivers as independent contractors to avoid responsibility, you are still owed a duty of care when you use these apps. 

Because these cases can be complex—especially when trying to hold Uber accountable—it’s important to consult a personal injury attorney or firm experienced in ride-share assault cases.

If you or a loved one has been assaulted by an Uber driver, take action and contact Morgan & Morgan today. Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free and confidential case evaluation to tell your story and learn about your options.

Here’s what to do if you’re assaulted by your Uber driver, and when you’re ready to take action, contact us.

1. Ensure Your Immediate Safety

Your priority should be getting to a safe location. If you are in the vehicle when the assault occurs, then if possible, leave the car as soon as it is safe to do so. If you feel threatened or unsafe, call 911 immediately. If in a public area, look for bystanders, security personnel, or law enforcement officers who can assist you.

2. Contact Law Enforcement

Reporting the incident to the police is a must Provide as many details as possible, including the driver's name, license plate number, and description. Plus, give the location and time of the incident and a detailed account of what happened.

Law enforcement can document the case and initiate an investigation. A police report will also serve as essential evidence in any legal action.

3. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don’t feel injured, it is important to undergo a medical evaluation. Assault, whether physical or sexual, can have unseen consequences, including internal injuries or trauma. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, so it’s important to get checked, as some injuries can worsen over time if left untreated.

Your medical attention will also serve as an official medical record, which can be used as evidence for legal injury claims.

4. Document the Incident

Thorough documentation can strengthen your case should you choose to take legal action. Take photos and videos of any visible injuries, the location where the assault occurred, and any other relevant details. Keep screenshots of your ride history, communications with the driver, and any related app notifications.

As soon as you can, jot down everything you remember about the incident, including dates, times, and exact words spoken.

5. Report the Incident to Uber

Uber has a reporting system for safety incidents. To report the assault:

• Open the Uber app and go to the trip history.
• Select the ride in question and click on "Help."
• Choose the option that best describes the incident and follow the prompts to submit your report.
• Uber’s safety team should reach out for further details and may cooperate with law enforcement.

6. Contact Morgan & Morgan

Assault cases involving rideshare drivers can be complex. A compassionate personal injury attorney at Morgan & Morgan can offer you a confidential, free consultation and guide you through your legal options.

From there, we can help you file a civil lawsuit for damages and assist in negotiating with Uber and insurance companies.

Morgan & Morgan has experience handling rideshare assault cases and can provide the legal expertise needed to hold the responsible parties accountable.

7. Consider Your Legal Options

Victims of abuse by Uber drivers have several legal options depending on the nature of the abuse (physical assault, sexual misconduct, harassment), the circumstances of the incident, and the laws of the state where it occurred. When working with your attorney at Morgan & Morgan, you will be advised on your legal options, which may include any of the following legal options:

File a Civil Lawsuit Against the Driver

Victims can sue the Uber driver personally for damages related to:

• Physical injuries
• Emotional trauma
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages or medical bills
   

This kind of lawsuit holds the individual accountable and may result in financial compensation.

Sue Uber (the Company)

Although Uber typically classifies its drivers as independent contractors, there are situations where Uber may be held liable. Legal theories that might apply:

• Negligent Hiring or Retention: If Uber failed to screen or remove a driver with a known history of misconduct.
• Failure to Warn or Protect: If Uber ignored reports or failed to implement safety features (like emergency assistance or driver background checks).
• Vicarious Liability (in some cases): Courts are increasingly willing to scrutinize Uber’s role in managing and profiting from driver activity, especially if the abuse happened while the driver was "on the clock."
  
   

File a Claim with Uber’s Insurance

Uber provides commercial liability coverage while a driver is actively working (picking up or transporting a passenger). A victim may be able to file a claim under:

• Uber’s $1 million liability insurance (depending on when the incident occurred)
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, if applicable
  
   

Explore a Class Action or Mass Tort

If multiple victims report similar abuse by the same driver (or broader Uber negligence), you may qualify to join a class action lawsuit or mass tort case. These actions can:

• Bring larger attention and resources to the issue
• Lead to systemic change at Uber
• Result in higher settlements or judgments
  
   

Get a Free Case Evaluation to Find Out Your Options

No one should experience assault during an Uber ride, but if it happens, taking immediate action can help protect your rights and seek justice. 

If you or a loved one has been a victim, Morgan & Morgan is here to help. Our attorneys are dedicated to fighting for victims of rideshare assaults, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

If you need legal assistance, contact us today for a free case evaluation to learn more.