In a significant ruling, a California federal judge has ordered Lyft to produce sexual misconduct records for four drivers who allegedly assaulted Uber passengers. This decision comes as part of ongoing bellwether trials against Uber, set to address a wide range of sexual assault and harassment allegations made by passengers against the ride-sharing giant.
Legal Action Involving Uber and Lyft Drivers
U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisa J. Cisneros, presiding over the case, mandated Lyft to comply with a subpoena issued by four women plaintiffs in an Uber sexual assault multidistrict litigation (MDL). While Lyft is not a defendant in the case, the judge ruled that the company must provide documents that may shed light on what Uber knew, or should have known, about the drivers’ past misconduct.
These critical records include background checks, reports of sexual misconduct, and data shared with the Industry Sharing Safety Program, which compiles grievances against drivers from both Uber and Lyft. The judge emphasized that these documents are necessary to assess whether Uber had enough information to prevent these incidents by conducting more thorough background checks or addressing complaints from passengers.
“Those documents generally could be relevant to show what information Uber could have learned if it had conducted more thorough background checks before allowing drivers to use its platform,” Judge Cisneros stated in her ruling. She further explained that the records could also illustrate how Uber and Lyft’s data-sharing practices might have influenced the safety measures for passengers.
The Broader Impact of the Uber Sexual Assault MDL
The Uber sexual assault MDL brings together hundreds of lawsuits from passengers who have alleged that they were sexually assaulted or harassed by Uber drivers. Plaintiffs claim that Uber failed to implement sufficient background checks, which would have flagged dangerous drivers, and argue that the company did not adequately investigate complaints or share vital safety information with Lyft.
This ruling is part of a larger effort to hold Uber accountable for its role in facilitating assaults, with the plaintiffs arguing that Uber’s negligence in hiring and screening drivers played a key part in these events.
Lyft's Compliance and Bellwether Trial Timeline
Lyft has three weeks to produce the requested documents for the bellwether trial against Uber, which is scheduled to begin in April. The company has two months to comply with additional subpoenas related to the case.
In a related case, a federal jury in Arizona recently awarded an Uber passenger $8.5 million after finding the company liable for a sexual assault carried out by one of its drivers. This verdict highlights the ongoing legal battles Uber faces as more survivors of sexual misconduct seek justice.
How to Seek Help
If you have experienced sexual misconduct, harassment, or assault involving an Uber or Lyft driver, you may qualify to take legal action. Helping Survivors provides resources, connections to legal partners, and support to navigate these complex situations.
This ruling serves as a reminder that survivors of sexual assault and harassment have the right to seek justice and that companies like Uber and Lyft may be held accountable for their practices in ensuring passenger safety. As legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on improving safety measures within the ride-sharing industry and ensuring that victims are heard and supported in their pursuit of justice.
If you need help getting connected with a rideshare assault attorney, contact us today.
