When someone requests an Uber ride, they are placing their trust—and their physical safety—in the hands of a driver they have never met. For the vast majority of rides, that trust is well-placed. But for thousands of passengers, particularly women, that trust has been shattered by sexual assault at the hands of Uber drivers. Lawsuits allege that Uber knew about the scope of this problem and failed to implement the safety measures that could have prevented it.

The Scope of the Problem

The numbers are staggering. More than 3,700 plaintiffs across 30 states have filed claims in the federal multidistrict litigation alleging sexual assault by Uber drivers. Internal data suggests that the rate of serious sexual assault reports is roughly four times higher when women riders are paired with male drivers. These are not just statistics—they represent real people whose lives were changed in the back seat of a car they booked through an app.

The allegations go beyond individual driver misconduct. Plaintiffs claim that Uber’s background check processes were inadequate, that the company prioritized rapid growth over passenger safety, and that when reports of assault came in, the company focused on managing its legal liability rather than protecting future passengers.

Who Can File a Claim

Any passenger who experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment, or sexual misconduct by an Uber driver may be eligible to pursue a claim. This includes incidents that occurred during a ride, at pickup or drop-off locations, or in any context related to an Uber trip. The litigation covers incidents across the country, with claims dating from 2009 to the present.

Compensation Available

In the first bellwether trial in January 2026, a jury awarded $8.5 million in compensatory damages to a plaintiff. Estimated settlement values range from $50,000 to over $1 million depending on the circumstances. Compensation may cover medical and therapeutic treatment costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, diminished quality of life, and the costs of ongoing psychological care. Each case is evaluated individually based on the specific facts and the impact on the survivor.

No one should fear for their safety when using a rideshare service. If you were assaulted by an Uber driver, you have the right to pursue accountability and compensation. Beverly Wilshire Law APC can evaluate your case in a confidential, no-cost consultation. Call (310) 424-5566 or email info@bevwilshire.com—we’re here to guide you in the right direction.