Uber Class Action for Alleged Sexual Assault by Drivers

In a recent lawsuit filed in the San Francisco County Superior Courts, plaintiff Jane Doe has brought forth allegations against Uber Technologies, Inc., Rasier, LLC. The plaintiffs claim that they were victims of sexual assault and false imprisonment perpetrated by Uber drivers, and that Uber is vicariously liable for these actions.

What Laws Did Uber Allegedly Violate?

The plaintiffs allege that Uber is liable for the acts of its drivers under the theory of respondeat superior, the nondelegable duty doctrine, agency, and ostensible agency.

Furthermore, the plaintiffs accuse Uber of prioritizing profits over safety, failing to thoroughly vet its drivers, and failing to warn customers of the risk of being sexually assaulted. They also allege that Uber stonewalled law enforcement.

What Led to the Filing of the Lawsuit?

The plaintiffs allege that they were sexually assaulted by Uber drivers while they were passengers. They claim that Uber was negligent in its hiring, supervision, and retention of its drivers, and that it had advance knowledge of the wrongful conduct, psychological profile, and behavior propensity of its drivers.

According to the plaintiffs, Uber allowed the wrongful conduct to occur and continue to occur, and that it authorized and ratified the wrongful conduct. They also allege that they were falsely imprisoned in violation of their legal rights.

Who Are the Class Members?

The class members in this case are all individuals who have been victims of sexual assault, sexual battery, rape, false imprisonment, stalking, harassment, and/or other attack perpetrated by Uber drivers. They must have been passengers of Uber at the time of the incident and must have suffered damages as a result.

The class members are all over the age of 18 and are residents of the states of Arizona, Pennsylvania, and California, where the incidents took place.

What Damages Are the Plaintiffs Seeking?

The plaintiffs are seeking special damages, past and future general damages, including physical pain, mental anguish, disfigurement and physical impairment, past and future lost earnings and/or earning capacity, medical expenses, past and future, punitive and exemplary damages, prejudgment interest, costs of litigation, attorney’s fees, and other relief as the court may deem just and proper.

While the exact dollar amount is not stated in the complaint, it is expected to be at least five million dollars.

What Could Be the Next Steps in the Case?

As the case progresses, the court will need to determine whether Uber is indeed liable for the actions of its drivers under the theories of respondeat superior, the nondelegable duty doctrine, agency, and ostensible agency. The court will also need to decide whether Uber violated California Constitution Article VI, Section 10.

If the court finds in favor of the plaintiffs, Uber could be ordered to pay damages to the plaintiffs and potentially to all class members. This could also lead to changes in Uber's business practices, particularly in relation to the hiring and supervision of its drivers.