Modern society is used to everything that is technology-based. That’s why they rely on Lyft more often as a practical and affordable transportation option. Unfortunately, this convenience and comfort are not accompanied by adequate security because the Lyft assault lawsuit piles up.
Assault can occur both to drivers and passengers. However, assault cases against ridesharing companies are mostly filed by passengers who are victims. If you or your loved ones are victims of a Lyft attack, be sure to read the discussion below to gain a glimmer of hope for justice.
What Types of Assaults Occur in Lyft?
There are diverse types of assaults that Lyft passengers or drivers often experience. Raise your awareness by knowing the following types of assault.
1. Sexual Assault
The Lawfirm page informs that in 2017-2018, Lyft received more than 4000 lawsuits over sexual assault cases. Even though drivers and passengers both have a fair chance of becoming victims of sexual assault, this case is more common among passengers.
The sexual assault lawsuits against Lyft still keep coming. Based on information quoted from the Abuse Lawsuit page, since the beginning of 2020, Lyft has received 65 sexual assault charges. Survivors will join together to file a Lyft for compensation and justice.
However, what is included in sexual assault? Since sexual assault is the behavior of attacking another person without the consent of the victim, you can recognize it as follows based on information from Rainn‘s page:
- fondling or other types of unwanted sexual touching;
- rape attempt;
- forcing the victim to perform oral sex or sexual penetration into the perpetrator’s body; and
- rape (forcibly penetrating the victim’s body).
2. Sexual Harassment
In addition to being victims of sexual assault, Lyft passengers or drivers are also vulnerable to sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is indecent behavior performed without explicit consent from the victim. If you have received treatment as below, you can file a Lyft assault lawsuit:
- unwelcome sexual advances;
- committing sexual acts by exposing oneself;
- discussing sexual stories or fantasies without the other person’s consent;
- verbal teasing that is sexually suggestive;
- soliciting sexual favors (telling another person to masturbate); and
- sending unwanted sexual texts, videos, or photos.
3. Physical Assault
Lyft passengers and drivers are not only targets for sexual predators but also physical assault. Some of the underlying reasons for physical assault include criminal acts or being under the influence of alcohol.
Physical assault includes fighting, pushing, throwing objects, shoving, and hitting. These attacks can of course physically injure the victim and cause financial losses. Similarly, victims can also experience psychological trauma from the attack.
Lyft Assault Data
You don’t need to hesitate or even be afraid to file the Lyft assault Lawsuit because you are not alone. Many Lyft assault victims have filed lawsuits to get justice. Please refer to the assault data on Lyft drivers and passengers shared by the following Helping Survivors page.
| Types of Cases | Number of Cases in 2017 | Number of Cases in 2018 | Total Cases in 2019 |
| Non-consensual sexual penetration | 167 | 212 | 292 |
| Non-consensual touching of a sexual body part | 107 | 99 | 114 |
| Attempted non-consensual sexual penetration | 598 | 661 | 1041 |
| Non-consensual kissing of a sexual body part | 131 | 172 | 203 |
| Non-consensual kissing of a non-sexual body part | 93 | 111 | 256 |
The Helping Survivors page states that almost the majority of assaults are carried out by drivers on passengers. Even though several Lyft drivers were assaulted, the number was still very small compared to the victims from the passenger side.
Since most of the data above shows that Lyft assaults keep increasing, that means you have to be more concerned about the safety of rideshare transportation.
Why are Lyft Passengers Susceptible to Assault?
Realizing the number of Lyft assault lawsuits, you must be wondering what the cause is, right? The Abuse Lawsuit page informs that the following factors make rideshare transportation vulnerable to assault.
1. Freelance Drivers
Lyft drivers are freelancers so they use personal vehicles to transport passengers. The requirements to become a driver at Lyft are also very easy because you only need to register through the application. Furthermore, Lyft also does not conduct in-depth background checks on prospective drivers.
Accordingly, not all Lyft drivers are safe drivers and free from past criminal records. On the contrary, taxi companies recruit drivers with strict selection to get drivers who meet eligibility requirements. That’s why taxi companies don’t get many assault lawsuits.
2. Assuming Lyft is Safe
Before filing a Lyft assault lawsuit, passengers of this application-based transportation must assume that Lyft is safe. In fact, many Lyft passengers have become victims of criminal, physical, and sexual assault.
Furthermore, intoxicated passengers also often rely on Lyft to take them home. Passengers who are under the influence of alcohol become easy targets for predators or malevolent drivers.
3. Inadequate Security Measures
Since Lyft drivers use their personal cars, of course, the level of security is inadequate. This leads to malevolent drivers making it easier to assault passengers. The safety level of Lyft rides is different from modern taxis because they provide a physical divider between the driver and passengers.
Other security features that are not found on Lyft vehicles are dash cameras and vehicle trackers. Inadequate security features will also make it difficult for victims to file Lyft assault lawsuits because victims have to collect evidence themselves.
4. Carpool Deals
Taxis usually take only one passenger to one destination. Lyft provides a breakthrough for sharing with other passengers with different destinations. Although it is more practical and economical, this also leads to crime and assault.
Carrying diverse unknown passengers at once is dangerous because one of them could be a criminal or sexual predator. Therefore, passengers must be more mindful in choosing transportation so as not to become victims of assault.
How to Get Your Lyft Assault Lawsuit Responded Immediately?
To come to the point of the Lyft assault lawsuit discussion, you need to contact a lawyer who specifically handles assault cases. Since lawyers have extensive knowledge about how to file a lawsuit, and the rules and regulations governing assault matters, your lawsuit will quickly get a response.
Professional and trusted lawyers will usually keep the identities of assault victims secret to protect their privacy. Hiring legal representation also allows you to obtain appropriate compensation for financial and psychological wounds.
