An investigation by CNN discovered that there are over 100 Uber drivers accused of sexual assault in the past four years. Only 30 of the drivers face conviction for crimes including forcible touching, false imprisonment and rape. There are at least a dozen cases still pending.

About Uber

Launched in 2010 in San Francisco as a private care service. Yet, it is now the most valuable privately-held tech startup in the world. It is valued at $70 billion and operates in 630 cities worldwide. Uber provides 15 million rides a day. An app downloaded on a passenger’s phone will match him or her up with a driver. The driver will then bring the passenger to the destination. There isn’t any direct exchange of money since it is automatically charged to the passenger’s credit card.

Uber Drivers Sexual Assault

Currently, there isn’t any public data about the actual number of Uber Drivers sexual assault. Many expect the amount of assaulted women to be double or even triple. CNN compiled their number from an in-depth review of police reports, federal court records and county court databases for 20 major U.S. cities.
Most women report falling asleep while intoxicated and waking up to an Uber drivers sexual assault. Yet, Uber denies the allegations. In fact, the company doesn’t even provide any sort of sexual harassment or assault training. Drivers sign an agreement to follow community guidelines, which in 2016 updated to include that drivers should not have any sexual contact with the passengers. Yet, the company still does not require background checks.
Many Uber drivers sexual assault one person, then leave Uber to go drive for the other ride share company, Lyft. Even though there are 103 drivers accused of sexual assault, the Boston Police Department alone received almost 30 reports of Uber drivers sexual assault. Austin police have almost 20. Therefore, 103 reports seems shockingly low.

Uber’s Response

Instead of addressing this very serious consequence of not doing background checks of their drivers, Uber is compelling women to arbitration of their cases instead of court. This forces women into silence and sweeps the problem under the rug. Therefore, more women are unaware of the dangers of Uber driver sexual assault. Most of the women targeted are small, petites and intoxicated. These features make them less likely to fight off an attack.
After Uber settles a case, all parties sign a confidentially agreement, which further silences the rampant problem.

After sexual assault, it’s hard to know how to react. There is physical and emotional pain. Plus, you may be confused on what steps to take.
At The Michael Brady Lynch Firm, we can help bring closure to rideshare sexual assault survivors. Compensation could be available. These claims can help prevent future victims and hold these companies liable for their negligence.