More than 2,651 sexual assault survivors helped since 2023

New Jersey Lyft Sexual Assault Lawyer

Lyft is one of the most popular rideshare services in New Jersey and across the U.S., and many people use it as a convenient way to get around the Garden State. Unfortunately, predatory drivers all too often seek to take advantage of passengers.

Each year, Lyft reports over a thousand cases of sexual assault by drivers. Sexual assault in the context of a Lyft ride may include groping, unwanted touching or kissing, attempted rape, rape, and other non-consensual sexual acts. Many of those assaults are committed against inebriated passengers who were simply doing the right thing by choosing not to drive after drinking. If you or a loved one has experienced sexual misconduct by a Lyft driver in New Jersey, you have legal options for holding the driver and the company accountable.

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Key Takeaways
  • Thousands of people have reported experiencing sexual assault by Lyft drivers in recent years, and many survivors are now taking legal action against the rideshare company for failing to protect them from predatory drivers.
  • You may be eligible to file a Lyft sexual assault lawsuit in New Jersey if you experienced any form of sexual assault by a driver during a Lyft ride.
  • If you have experienced rideshare sexual assault, Helping Survivors can help provide legal connections with experienced sexual assault attorneys to handle your case.

Legal Protections for Survivors Of Lyft Sexual Abuse in New Jersey

Several laws in New Jersey work to protect the rights of survivors of sexual abuse and assault. New Jersey’s civil statute of limitations for sexual assault gives victims seven years after the reasonable discovery of the injury and its connection to the assault to file a civil lawsuit against the person who harmed them. This deadline was extended from just two years in 2019.

There is no criminal statute of limitations for sexual assault in New Jersey, so you may report assault to law enforcement at any time to start a criminal investigation, which may result in criminal charges.

New Jersey law also allows survivors to hold rideshare companies like Lyft accountable for sexual assault by drivers. Survivors can file civil claims against Lyft for corporate negligence that enabled an assault. These claims usually allege that the rideshare company failed to protect them, properly vet drivers during the hiring process, and more. Survivors might also try to hold Lyft vicariously liable for the actions of its drivers.

Criminal Charges

Survivors of Lyft sexual assault in New Jersey can start a criminal investigation against the perpetrator by contacting law enforcement and filing a police report. Police will then investigate the case, and prosecutors will ultimately decide whether to file formal charges against the driver. Charges might result in criminal penalties for the assailant, such as imprisonment.

Unfortunately, criminal charges do not hold the rideshare company accountable for its role in the assault, and survivors have little control over the criminal justice process.

Civil Lawsuits

Civil sexual assault lawsuits differ from criminal charges, since the company may also be held responsible for its drivers’ actions. Victims can file civil lawsuits against both the assailant and the company, seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.

Over the past few years, hundreds of survivors of sexual assault by Lyft drivers have filed claims against the rideshare company for failing to protect its users from sexual misconduct.

How to Choose the Right Lyft Sexual Assault Lawyer in New Jersey

Finding an attorney who specializes in helping rideshare sexual assault survivors seek justice is critically important to a successful case. When searching for an attorney to take your case, it’s important to look for someone with experience in rideshare sexual assault cases, knowledge of New Jersey laws, and a track record of successful case results.

Experience With Lyft Sexual Assault Cases

As a survivor of sexual assault, it’s critical to choose a lawyer with significant experience handling sexual assault cases, particularly lawsuits against rideshare companies like Lyft. The complexity of these cases requires legal professionals with experience in both criminal and civil law, and ideally, a background in representing sexual assault survivors.

Knowledge of New Jersey State Law

It’s also important to find a local lawyer who is deeply familiar with New Jersey state laws governing rideshare company liability, the Garden State’s procedural rules, and the applicable statute of limitations. A New Jersey-based lawyer will also have the local legal connections and resources necessary to advocate for you effectively.

Track Record of Successful Outcomes

Your attorney should have a track record of achieving favorable outcomes for survivors in similar cases. A history of successful settlements, verdicts, or successful mediation in rideshare assault cases builds trust and credibility. At Helping Survivors, we partner with experienced rideshare sexual assault lawyers with a successful track record of securing justice and compensation for victims.

What Damages Can You Recover for a Sexual Abuse Claim in New Jersey?

In a New Jersey Lyft sexual assault lawsuit, survivors may be awarded compensation for economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Every case is different, so there’s no set amount of compensation a victim will receive.

However, filing a lawsuit against both the driver who perpetrated the assault and Lyft could significantly increase the damages you receive.

Economic Damages

Economic damages compensate victims for the tangible financial losses they’ve sustained, such as past and future medical expenses for doctor visits, counseling, therapy, medications, and any other required treatments. They also compensate victims for lost wages and earning capacity, among other losses.

Non-economic Damages

Non-economic damages cover the harder-to-quantify impacts of the assault. Survivors can seek compensation for their pain and suffering and the psychological effects of sexual assault, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and emotional distress caused by the abuse.

Punitive Damages

In New Jersey, courts may award punitive damages in rare cases if the defendant’s behavior was malicious or wilful and wanton.

Speak to a Sexual Assault Attorney in New Jersey

If you or a loved one has been sexually assaulted by a Lyft driver in New Jersey, you are not alone, and you have rights. However, it’s important to act quickly and speak with an attorney to discuss your legal options without delay.

At Helping Survivors, we work to connect survivors with resources for support and make legal introductions to our partner law firms that have experience with rideshare sexual assault lawsuits. These firms work with survivors to file civil lawsuits against the individuals and organizations that perpetrated and enabled the abuse to compensate victims for their suffering. Every law firm we work with provides free consultations and takes these types of cases on contingency, meaning there are no upfront costs to filing a claim.

To learn more about your rights and options, contact us today.

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