You trusted a rideshare driver to safely get you to your destination. Instead, you were attacked. That betrayal cuts deep, and because rideshare sexual assault is an extremely traumatic event, you may find it difficult to come forward and hold the offender accountable. We are here to make sure you are aware of all your legal rights, and help you pursue justice and compensation.
If you were sexually assaulted by an Uber or Lyft driver in New Jersey, you have a legal ally with us at Grossman Law. With top-rated lead attorney Scott D. Grossman, our compassionate team is here to help you fight back through the civil courts. A successful claim could help you access high-quality resources for recovery, and empower you as you hold the perpetrator liable.
Talk to us in a free, confidential consultation. Call Grossman Law today at (732) 625-9494.
The Hidden Danger in Rideshare Vehicles
Rideshare apps have changed how we travel. They promised convenience and safety, but thousands of passengers have been sexually assaulted during rides.
According to the US Government Accountability Office, rideshare companies reported about 4,600 incidents of the five most serious types of sexual assault in 2019 alone. That’s just one year. And those are only the reported cases.
Uber’s safety report shows the company received 2,717 reports of sexual assault in 2021 and 2022. Lyft reports 1,752 sexual assault incidents in the same period.
Among rideshares in general, the real number is likely much higher, as many sexual assaults go unreported.
What Counts as Rideshare Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault in a rideshare can take many forms:
Physical Contact
- Unwanted touching of any body part
- Groping or fondling
- Forced kissing
- Rape or attempted rape.
Verbal Harassment
- Sexual comments or propositions
- Lewd suggestions
- Threats or coercion.
Other Violations
- Exposing genitals
- Recording without consent
- Staring in a sexual manner
- Following you after the ride.
If a driver made you uncomfortable, crossed boundaries, or hurt you, that matters. What happened to you was real. And it was wrong.
New Jersey Laws Protect Rideshare Assault Survivors
New Jersey takes sexual assault seriously. Under the state’s criminal and civil laws, sexual assault includes any sexual contact or penetration without affirmative and freely given permission. It can also include the threat of such harm even without physical contact.
As a survivor of a rideshare sexual assault, you can seek compensation through civil court, which is separate from the criminal court. The attacker may or may not be criminally prosecuted, but regardless of what happens with the criminal case, you may still pursue your civil claim towards a favorable outcome. Even if the criminal case is dismissed or the defendant is found Not Guilty, it’s possible for a civil claim to succeed.
The law recognizes that victims often can’t fight back. Maybe you were scared. Maybe you froze. Maybe you were intoxicated. None of that makes it your fault.
NJ Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault Civil Cases
In 2019, New Jersey extended the time survivors have to file civil claims. You now have until age 55 or up to seven years from when you realized the assault caused you harm, whichever is later.
This extended window means you don’t have to rush. You can take time to heal and decide when you’re ready to pursue justice.
But don’t wait too long. Evidence fades. Witnesses forget. The sooner you talk to a lawyer, the stronger your case.
Who’s Responsible for Your Rideshare Assault?
The driver who assaulted you bears primary responsibility. But they’re not the only ones who can be held accountable.
Rideshare Company Liability
Both Uber and Lyft claim they can’t be sued because drivers are independent contractors, not employees. But that argument doesn’t always hold up. Rideshare companies can be liable when they:
- Fail to conduct proper background checks
- Ignore complaints about dangerous drivers
- Don’t remove drivers with assault histories
- Lack adequate safety measures, OR
- Create conditions that make assault more likely.
Companies have a duty to protect passengers. When they fail, they can be forced to pay.
Why Background Checks Aren’t Enough
Both companies run background checks on drivers. But these checks have serious gaps:
- They only catch people who’ve been caught before.
- Many sex offenders have no criminal record.
- Checks don’t flag concerning behavior patterns.
- Companies don’t verify information carefully enough.
In recent years, thousands of Uber and Lyft drivers have been involved in incidents of sexual harassment, sexual abuse, rape, and other misconduct. The problem continues today.
What To Do If You Were Assaulted in an Uber or Lyft?
If you were attacked in a rideshare, your first priority is safety and health. Here’s what you should do:
Immediate Steps
- Get to safety. Leave the vehicle if you’re still inside.
- Call 911. Report the assault to police right away.
- Seek medical care. Go to an emergency room. Tell them what happened.
- Preserve evidence. Don’t shower or change clothes if possible. Save your clothing.
- Document everything. Take screenshots of your ride details, the driver’s info, and your route.
Within 24 to 48 Hours
- Report to the rideshare company. Use the app to flag the driver and file a complaint.
- Contact a lawyer. The sooner you talk to an attorney, the better.
- Save all communications. Keep texts, emails, and app messages.
- Write down details. Record everything you remember while it’s fresh.
Don’t Worry About:
You might feel pressure to make a statement or tell your story before you’re ready. You don’t have to:
- Talk to insurance adjusters
- Accept quick settlement offers
- Sign anything from the rideshare company
- Face your attacker alone.
A lawyer can handle these conversations for you.
The Legal Process for Rideshare Sexual Assault Cases
Filing a lawsuit against a rideshare company looks different from other injury cases. Here’s why:
No Forced Arbitration
In 2018, Uber eliminated mandatory arbitration for sexual assault cases. Lyft followed. This means you can take your case to court instead of being forced into private arbitration.
This change happened because survivors fought back. They refused to be silenced. Now you have the right to a public trial if you choose.
Building Your Case
A strong case requires solid evidence:
- Screenshots of your ride information
- Trip receipts and payment records
- Medical records documenting injuries
- Police reports and witness statements
- Driver background and complaint history
- Communications with the rideshare company.
When you work with us at Grossman Law, our experienced lawyer will investigate:
- Whether the company ignored red flags about this driver
- How many other complaints were filed
- What safety measures the company failed to implement
- Whether similar assaults occurred with this driver.
What You Can Recover
Sexual assault causes devastating harm, physically and emotionally. It can have far-reaching effects in your everyday life. While monetary repayment can never undo what you endured, it can help you access support for your recovery and achieve a sense of justice. You deserve compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Medical bills and therapy costs
- Lost wages from missed work
- Future medical treatment
- Career impact.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Post-traumatic stress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Anxiety and depression.
Punitive Damages
In some extraordinary cases, courts award punitive damages. These are meant to punish the company and deter future misconduct. If the company acted with gross negligence, you may receive additional compensation.
Why Choose Grossman Law The Rideshare Attorneys
While Uber and Lyft often succeed in limiting liability through the independent contractor argument, courts still recognize potential negligence claims when safety protocols fail.
Attorney Scott D. Grossman has spent over 25 years fighting for injury victims. He knows how rideshare companies operate. He understands their tactics. And he won’t let them bully you.
Real Experience That Matters
Scott graduated from Quinnipiac University School of Law in 1997. Before that, he served four years as a New Jersey State Probation Officer. He knows both sides of the legal system.
He’s recovered tens of millions in verdicts and settlements for clients. His track record includes major victories against insurance companies and corporate defendants.
Recognized Excellence
Scott has been selected as a Super Lawyer every year from 2022 to 2025. This recognition comes from peer nominations and independent research. It places him among the top lawyers in New Jersey.
Rideshare Expertise
Grossman Law focuses specifically on transportation incidents and injuries. This includes assault cases. We understand the unique challenges these cases present:
- Complex insurance policies with multiple layers
- Corporate defendants with huge legal teams
- Evidence that disappears quickly
- Victims who need compassionate support.
As we are deeply familiar with these cases, we know how to navigate the legal process while treating you with sensitivity and family-like support.
How We Handle Your Case
With Grossman Law, we take care of the entire legal case so you can focus on healing. Here’s some of what we offer:
Free Consultation
In our confidential consultation, we listen to your story without judgment, explain your legal options clearly, and answer all your questions. There is no pressure and no obligation on your part.
Thorough Investigation
As part of our case-building, we:
- Gather all available evidence
- Interview witnesses
- Obtain police and medical records
- Research the driver’s background
- Review company safety records.
Aggressive Representation
Our seasoned attorneys at Grossman Law skillfully negotiate with insurance companies to assert your maximum compensation. We’re not afraid to stand up to corporate legal teams. We’ll take cases to trial when necessary, though most injury claims settle favorably without going to court.
Personal Support
We treat our clients like family at Grossman Law. Throughout your case, we’ll provide regular case updates, direct access to your attorney, and guidance through the legal process. We’ll also offer referrals to counseling and support services.
Protecting Future Passengers
When you file a lawsuit, you do more than seek justice for yourself. You help protect other passengers. Every case that holds companies accountable sends a message. They must take safety seriously. They can’t hide behind corporate policies. They will pay when they fail passengers.
Your case could:
- Force better background checks
- Lead to improved safety features
- Result in removing dangerous drivers
- Change company policies
- Prevent future assaults.
You deserve justice. And other passengers deserve protection.
Common Questions About Rideshare Sexual Assault Cases
Will I have to testify in court?
Not necessarily. Many cases settle before trial. If your case does go to court, your lawyer will prepare you thoroughly. You won’t face this alone.
What if I was drinking?
Being intoxicated doesn’t mean you consented. The law protects you regardless. Many sexual predators specifically target victims who’ve been drinking because they’re more vulnerable.
Can I sue if I didn’t file a police report?
Yes. A police report helps your case, but it’s not required for a civil lawsuit. You can still pursue compensation even without criminal charges.
How long does a case take?
Every case is different. Some settle in months. Others take a year or more. We work as quickly as possible while building the strongest case.
Will my name become public?
Your lawyer can request that your identity be protected in court documents. Many sexual assault cases use initials or pseudonyms to protect victims.
What does it cost to hire a lawyer?
Grossman Law works on contingency, which means you don’t pay us any out-of-pocket costs. We only get paid if you win. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing.
Can I still file a claim against Uber if the driver is already facing criminal charges?
Absolutely. Criminal charges and civil lawsuits are completely separate legal matters. You can file a civil claim against both the driver and the rideshare company regardless of whether criminal charges are filed. In fact, criminal charges can actually help your civil case by providing additional evidence and documentation of what happened.
What if the Uber or Lyft driver who attacked me gets their criminal charges dropped or reduced?
Your civil case can still succeed even if criminal charges are dropped or reduced. Civil cases have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases. In criminal court, guilt must be proven “beyond a reasonable doubt.” In civil court, you only need to prove your case by a “preponderance of the evidence,” meaning it’s more likely than not that the assault occurred. Many successful civil claims have been won even when criminal cases resulted in acquittal or dropped charges.
Take the First Step Toward Justice. Call Grossman Law.
It takes a lot of courage to speak up about your rideshare assault, but you don’t have to face this alone. Grossman Law The Rideshare Attorneys are here to assist you throughout your claim. We have helped countless injury victims recover millions in compensation. We know how to fight rideshare companies. We understand what you’re going through. And we’re ready to fight for you.
Call (732) 625-9494 for a free, confidential consultation.
You deserve answers. You deserve justice. You deserve compensation for what happened to you. Let us help you fight back. Contact Grossman Law today.
Grossman Law The Rideshare Attorneys serves sexual assault survivors throughout New Jersey, including Monmouth, Middlesex, Ocean, Passaic, and Bergen counties. Scott D. Grossman has over 25 years of experience and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer from 2022-2025.
