Pennsylvania Attorney for Uber + Lyft Sexual Assault Lawsuits

In recent years, Uber and Lyft have shown that they have an issue with dealing with issues of sexual assault and abuse that occur due to their failure to choose reliable drivers. A passenger should not have to worry that their driver could potentially be a criminal looking to assault them. If you or a family member was sexually assaulted by an Uber or Lyft driver, contact an experienced Philadelphia sexual assault attorney today.

At the Reiff Law Firm, we understand the stress and trauma that can accompany an incident of sexual assault, and we are here for you. Our firm has worked with residents of Philadelphia and Southeast Pennsylvania on a number of complex cases, and we are prepared to use this knowledge to help you pursue compensation for your injury. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your case, contact the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940, or contact us online.

Liability for Sexual Abuse by an Uber or Lyft Driver

Uber and Lyft are the two largest ride-hailing services in the world. As a result, you would expect that each company would have stringent safeguards to protect their customers from a rideshare driver that seeks to sexually assault or abuse them. Unfortunately, neither Uber nor Lyft appear to have found a consistent solution to prevent drivers from assaulting passengers.

Drivers that work for Uber or Lyft are typically labeled as independent contractors by the company. The underlying reason for this employee designation is so that Uber and Lyft can avoid accepting liability for the illicit actions of their rideshare car drivers.

However, there are circumstances where a ride-hail service driver and their employer could be held liable for a sexual assault. For example, if a driver assaults a passenger in the midst of transporting them, they would have committed an offense while working within the scope of their employment. This can open up their employer to liability.

There were over 100 reported cases of passengers being sexually assaulted by Uber drivers last year and about 30 individuals that were imprisoned for these crimes. Many of the victims of sexual assault were women who were inebriated and traveling alone. As Uber or Lyft do not have any training programs for their drivers regarding interactions with a passenger, it is likely that incidents of sexual assault will continue to occur.

To learn more about filing a lawsuit for sexual assault for your injuries, continue reading and speak with an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney today.

When to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Pennsylvania

If your Uber or Lyft driver sexually abused you, you should consider filing a lawsuit against the rideshare driver and their respective employer. It is important to understand that civil lawsuits are subject to the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations determines the amount of time a plaintiff has to file a particular type of case. For example, a claim of fraud may have a different filing deadline than a claim of medical malpractice.

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years from the date of the injury. If a plaintiff does not file their case within this timeframe, the court can bar their claim from being filed. It is important to note that there are some circumstances that could lead to a case being delayed.

While it may seem strange that there are limitations on claims of sexual assault, the statute of limitations is designed to protect plaintiffs and defendants. Allowing a plaintiff to file a claim at any time could make it difficult to defend against a lawsuit. However, Pennsylvania is currently researching the idea of extending the statute of limitations for victims of sexual assault.

After ensuring that your case is timely filed, you will have to prove that your Uber or Lyft rideshare driver assaulted you. Sexual assault or sexual abuse can take several forms:

Touching a private area of a person without their consent
Forcing a person into a sexual act without consent or when they are incapacitated
Assaulting an individual with a mental disability
Using drugs to induce a person into sexual intercourse

This is not an exhaustive list. If you were a victim of sexual assault, the Reiff Law Firm could help you explore your legal options.

Work with an Experienced Pennsylvania Uber and Lyft Sexual Assault Lawyer Today

If you or a family member was a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of an Uber or Lyft driver, contact an experienced Philadelphia sexual abuse lawyer today. The skilled sexual abuse lawyers at the Reiff Law Firm possess decades of combined legal experience, and we would be proud to work with you. To schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your legal options, contact the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940.

"This was the best call I made. Exceptionally helpful in every way. Thank you 🙏"

- Sophia N.
Google

"I can’t say enough great things about the Attorneys at the Reiff Law Firm. They made me feel at ease when I was going through a very difficult time in my life. Never being in a situation like this I was so unsure of where to start and how to go about the process. Justin gave me options where I thought I had none and explained everything in a way that I could understand. Justin and the team helped me arrange all of the treatment and therapy that I needed, without them I would have been lost. My attorney John went to bat for me like no one else could have, his knowledge and professionalism is unmatched. If anyone is ever in need of a team of attorneys the Reiff Law Firm is my ONLY recommendation."

- Iea S.
Google

"I greatly appreciate the care and compassion the Reiff Law Firm has given to my family at a very difficult time. They left no stone unturned in their investigation and what started as a small settlement ended $100, 000 more than expected. They did not give up and treated us like family."

- John L.
Google Review

"Good afternoon Mr. Robert, I appreciate your professional support and how it’s been helpful, thank you and your entire law firm for all of your hard work throughout my case. Throughout the time we worked together, everyone at your law firm was kind, patient, and supportive. I’m confident your hard work and determination will make my case a breeze. I will never forget how much your services meant to me. Thanks once again for your incredible determination and tenacity during my case."

- A.E.

"Before meeting with Jeffrey Reiff and Bob Szostak from the Reiff law firm I’ve consulted with a few other injury attorneys in the Philadelphia region. Difference was, these guys know their stuff! I was absolutely blown away by how compassionate and welcome this law firm makes you feel. Once signed with them I never went a single week without staying in the loop with the progress and updates these guys have on your case. Working with them...turned what was an injury case, into a family!...I’ve never felt like a beat was skipped. I’d recommended the Reiff law firm 100%! I’m very comfortable to say there’s no better in the city. The awards they’ve earned over the years speaks for itself! I can never thank the Reiff law firm and Bob Szostak enough for everything they’ve done, their professionalism, compassion and all of their knowledge and experience! Highly rated! Best in the city!...Thanks again Reiff family!"

- Ryan M.
Google

"...I want to say that the Reiff Law Firm changed my entire life with handling of my legal case. I was in a very serious automobile accident with severe injuries to neck and back areas. I contacted the law firm and asked what to do with the medical bills and how do I get the correct representation against the individual who rear-ended my car. In short, the firm took complete control of the case contacting my insurance company and asking for all the medical bills and legal matters be sent directly to them. I was able to get treatment from my doctor without worrying about the legal stuff. Furthermore, two years later the case was settled for a substantial amount of money. My life was much better due to the firm handling of my case. My attorneys at Reiff Law Firm are absolutely the best and I have recommended to my family friends. Thanks Reiff Law Firm."

- Dean P.
Google

I highly recommend the team at the Reiff Law Firm. Both Jeff and Robert were there to guide me through a very difficult time. What started out as a time for me that included a lot of doubt, questions and hopelessness has turned into one of a hopeful future. The team at the Reiff Law Firm made me feel at ease and I had no doubts trusting them with various concerns. They kept me informed every step of the way without making me feel overwhelmed or anxious. Don't hesitate to contact them for your legal needs - especially if you want a team that has the utmost concern and compassion for their clients.

- K. Williams
Google

"I was referred to the Reiff Law Firm by a friend who had previously been a client of the firm. My friend told me that the Reiff Firm had done an incredible job handling his case and treated him like family. My friend's recommendation was spot on. I am going to miss them now that my case is over. Attorney Reiff and Attorney T. are excellent attorneys. They really care. They got me an INCREDIBLE RESULT. Most importantly they were there for me during some extremely dark and difficult times in my life. I highly recommend the Reiff Law Firm to anyone seeking the very best legal representation for injuries they suffered in an accident."

- Robert F.
Google

View More Reviews