How to File a Lawsuit if You Were Sexually Assaulted by a Lyft Driver in Pennsylvania

If a Lyft driver sexually assaults you in Pennsylvania, you may suffer considerable economic and non-economic damages. You may recoup those damages by filing a sexual assault lawsuit, which our lawyers can handle for you.

Filing sexual assault lawsuits is complicated, especially for victims who are still emotionally and physically recovering. We only have two years to file most Lyft sexual assault lawsuits, and we may need much of the statute of limitations to prepare some cases. Before you file a lawsuit, you should report the assault to the police and Lyft directly. Documenting an assault helps prove it occurred, and we can help you report it. When we file your lawsuit, we’ll seek compensation for all medical expenses, other economic damages, and pain and suffering.

For a free case review from our Philadelphia attorneys for Uber and Lyft, call The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940.

Can You File a Lawsuit if a Lyft Driver Sexually Assaults You?

Getting assaulted by a rideshare driver is a traumatic experience, one that multiple parties may bear liability for. While the individual driver is responsible for their conduct, Lyft may also cover your damages.

Rideshare companies owe passengers a duty to ensure drivers are capable and not a danger. Someone with a criminal record of sexual offenses may be more likely to endanger or assault passengers.

You may file a lawsuit for unwanted sexual contact, which we can help prepare and win for you in Pennsylvania.

How to Report a Sexual Assault in a Lyft for Your Pennsylvania Lawsuit

While many victims struggle to report sexual assaults to the police, involving law enforcement may start a criminal investigation that ultimately helps your civil case.

We can also help you report the sexual assault to Lyft through the app. In addition to unwanted physical contact, you can report non-physical contact, like sexual and harassing comments. We can ensure the report is timely and accurate.

How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit if a Lyft Driver Sexually Assaults You in Pennsylvania?

Reach out to our lawyers as soon as you are ready after a sexual assault. You do not have indefinite time to sue, and the sooner we start your case, the better.

The statute of limitations for sexual assault lawsuits in Pennsylvania is just two years when the plaintiff is an adult. This is the typical personal injury statute of limitations under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524. Two years is not long, especially when victims experience extreme pain and suffering, which is common after sexual assaults.

Let us start working on your case right away so you do not miss the statute of limitations.

How Do I File a Lyft Sexual Assault Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?

We file sexual assault cases by submitting complaints in court. In the complaint, we will state the facts of your case, explain the defendant’s or defendants’ liability, and cite your deserved compensation.

Your lawsuit may be against the individual driver and Lyft if the rideshare company bears liability. Including Lyft in your claim may maximize your recovery, as the rideshare company may have more money to give than the individual driver.

We can write an accurate complaint, file it in the appropriate court, and proceed with all other phases of your Lyft sexual assault lawsuit in Pennsylvania.

What Damages Can You Recover in a Lyft Sexual Assault Lawsuit?

You may recover compensation for all damages due to a sexual assault. That includes economic losses and non-economic losses. If we find evidence of gross negligence and your case goes to trial, you may also get punitive damages.

Economic Damages

Victims may need medical treatment after sexual assault. Going to the hospital may preserve physical evidence, and it also documents your injuries. A civil case can cover all medical expenses, current and future.

Sexual assault profoundly affects victims, sometimes making them unable to keep their jobs. Lost wages are compensable in lawsuits, which our lawyers can quantify.

Sexual assault claims may also cover the cost of ongoing psychological support, which many victims need.

Non-Economic Damages

You may also recover non-economic damages if a Lyft driver sexually assaulted you. Non-economic damages are the intangible harms you suffer, like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, mental anguish, and more.

Non-economic losses may comprise much of your damages, so do not underestimate their value, especially in a sexual assault case. Pennsylvania does not limit non-economic damages for victims. If your case goes to trial and you testify, your statements may lead to a larger recovery.

Punitive Damages

If Lyft had previous complaints and allowed the driver to keep working, you may get punitive damages. This requires more investigation into the rideshare company, its hiring practices, and its history of assaults, which our Pennsylvania attorneys for Uber and Lyft sexual assault lawsuits can handle. Pennsylvania also doesn’t cap punitive damages in sexual assault cases. However, you may only get them if you go to trial and qualify.

How to Prove a Lyft Driver Sexually Assaulted You in Pennsylvania

We need evidence that proves it’s more than likely the Lyft driver sexually assaulted you. That’s what makes calling the police and confiding in others about a sexual assault very important.

Tell us about anyone to whom you disclosed, whether that is law enforcement, a friend, or a family member. They may testify during your trial about your demeanor after the assault and other firsthand observations.

Medical records may prove you suffered injuries consistent with sexual assault, so go to the hospital if you are hurt. We may use evidence from the Lyft app confirming you were a passenger and the defendant was the driver as well.

Your testimony is compelling evidence in a trial. You can describe what happened, the damages you have incurred, and how your life has changed since the assault.

Call Our Lawyers to Discuss Your Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit Today

Call The Reiff Law Firm’s Pennsylvania attorneys for Uber and Lyft sexual assault lawsuits for help with your case at (215) 709-6940.