Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have transformed how many people get around on a daily basis. However, there can be a dark side to these services' convenience. In the years since they’ve become popularized, rideshare companies have received thousands of reports of passengers suffering sexual misconduct and assault at the hands of their drivers. Now, public outcry is growing and calling for these companies to take responsibility for the violence happening under their watch.

This blog post will look at the unfortunate rise of sexual assault linked to rideshares in Texas and beyond. First, it will examine the facts around rideshare sexual assaults in recent years, then discuss how the law handles Texas rideshare sexual assault cases and the steps survivors can take to protect themselves after an assault.

Rideshare Sexual Assault: By the Numbers

It can be challenging to measure the full extent of rideshare sexual assault accurately. As with sexual assault generally, many rideshare assaults go unreported by passengers.

In recent years, both Uber and Lyft have released safety reports detailing the number and type of sexual misconduct incidents that took place on their watch. According to Uber’s U.S. Safety Report, 3,824 sexual assaults occurred in their cars between 2019 and 2020. The company highlights this as a drop from the 5,981 sexual assaults recorded in their 2017-2018 safety report. However, because the 2020 pandemic caused an overall decrease in ridership, this isn’t necessarily a sign that Uber turned things around on sexual assault. 

Lyft also saw a dip in sexual assaults before and after 2020, according to their 2020-2022 Safety Transparency Report. However, although overall incidents of sexual assault dropped from 4,158 to 2,651, reports of the most extreme forms of assault barely changed. According to Lyft, incidents of rape or attempted rape made up 16% of the sexual assaults reported from 2017-2019. In their 2020-2022 report, that number had increased to 22%. In essence, even though overall sexual assault reports may have decreased, that’s not a sign that passengers are any safer from sexual violation.

A recent incident closer to home is an unfortunate reminder of this reality. In July 2024, a North Texas Uber driver was arrested after sexually assaulting a 12-year-old passenger during a ride. Uber’s guidelines generally require minors under 18 to have an adult with them when riding as passengers. Regulations aside, there is no excuse for this kind of violence. Fortunately, state law offers survivors of sexual assault options for holding abusive drivers and neglectful rideshare companies accountable. 

Sexual Assault Survivors’ Legal Rights in Texas

Survivors of sexual assault have the right to seek justice in several ways under Texas law. 

The first and generally most well-known route is pursuing a criminal case against the perpetrator. Sexual assault is a felony crime under Texas law. When someone intentionally forces you into a non-consensual sexual act, they can face criminal charges and potential prison time if convicted. 

Survivors of rideshare sexual assault also have the right to file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator and even the rideshare company. Filing a personal injury lawsuit offers survivors a chance to recover financial compensation for their physical, emotional, and mental injuries. Today, a growing number of rideshare assault survivors are pursuing civil suits against the app companies, claiming they failed to exercise proper care when hiring and vetting drivers. Uber and Lyft insist that all drivers undergo screening to keep passengers safe. If their mistakes or oversight during this process led to a passenger’s assault, the company could be held legally liable for their negligence. A successful civil suit can help passengers recover compensation for the emotional, medical, and financial toll of the assault they suffered.

What to Do If a Rideshare Driver Assaults You

The aftermath of a Texas rideshare sexual assault is often a confusing and terrifying time for survivors. It’s normal to struggle to know what to do or who to trust. However, there are some important steps to take to protect yourself after an assault by a rideshare driver: 

• Call 911. Your physical health and safety is the priority. Get yourself to safety and call for professional help when you can. Find the nearest hospital or medical facility and seek medical treatment.
• Report it to the police. Use the information from the rideshare app to give the police the perpetrator’s name, car make and model, and details about when and where the assault happened.
• Make a complaint through the app. Rideshare companies have a duty to take action after a driver commits a crime. Reporting the assault through the rideshare app can help keep other riders safe. 
• Contact a lawyer. Even if you’re unsure if you want to take legal action, it’s a good idea to talk to a legal professional. An attorney can help you better understand your legal rights and options. They can also provide valuable, informed support as you weigh your options and navigate the legal system.

Most importantly, take steps to care for yourself. Surround yourself with people you trust, whether loved ones or mental health professionals. Their support is essential for navigating whatever comes next. 

Get the Help You Deserve 

As an attorney with over 30 years in practice, I understand the devastating and long-lasting impact sexual assault can have on the lives of survivors. Nothing can deny or erase what you’ve suffered. However, seeking justice can be the first step toward healing and holding perpetrators responsible. If you or a loved one has suffered sexual assault during a rideshare, contact Grossman Law Offices. Our attorneys are compassionate, skilled legal professionals prepared to help you navigate your next steps. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation today.