A California woman has filed a civil lawsuit against Uber, accusing the ride-hailing giant of contributing to the circumstances that led to her sexual assault after being ejected from an Uber vehicle. The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco on Monday under the pseudonym “Jane Doe,” alleges that Uber’s failure to ensure rider safety and provide appropriate assistance after an incident left the woman vulnerable to attack.
The Ride and the Driver's Abandonment
The events, according to the lawsuit, unfolded on May 28 after the woman attended a concert in Sacramento. She used the Uber app to secure a ride back to her home in Rosemont. However, due to her intoxication, the woman vomited in the vehicle during the trip. The suit claims that the Uber driver, instead of offering assistance or helping her get to a safe place, ejected her from the vehicle at a random and unsafe location, approximately 8 miles from her destination.
Disoriented and without her phone, Doe was left near a gas station parking lot in Sacramento. According to the lawsuit, a man and woman approached her, offering help to get her home. Instead, they allegedly took her to an apartment where the man held her captive, assaulted her, and threatened her at knifepoint. The woman managed to escape the next morning through a window and sought help at a nearby school. She was later taken to a hospital, and local authorities interviewed her.
Uber’s Response and Alleged Negligence
The suit alleges that Uber failed to respond adequately to a report made by Doe’s mother regarding the driver’s actions and the subsequent assault. Instead of addressing the matter seriously, Uber’s customer service allegedly sent a generic response, offering resources but no further investigation or follow-up.
The attorney representing Doe criticized Uber for its policies regarding driver behavior and support for riders. She pointed out that while Uber allows drivers to cancel a ride at any time, there seems to be no clear guidance on when it is appropriate for a driver to abandon a passenger.
Additionally, she noted that Uber imposes cleaning fees on riders for vomiting or spilling food, implying that drivers should be prepared for such situations rather than abandoning passengers in dangerous locations.
Doe stated that she has never felt more vulnerable in her life, and it never would have happened if she didn’t get in that Uber. She hopes no other woman has to feel how she felt — abandoned, scared, and destroyed. A criminal investigation into the assault is ongoing, and no arrests have been made.
Representatives for Uber did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the lawsuit. Uber has long marketed itself as a safer alternative to driving under the influence, partnering with organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to promote responsible behavior. However, the lawsuit suggests that the company’s actions did not align with these safety commitments, particularly in this case where the driver’s abandonment of the passenger may have contributed directly to the assault.
The case underscores ongoing concerns about rider safety for women, with critics calling for stricter policies and more accountability from ride-hailing companies like Uber.
How Helping Survivors Can Support Survivors of Rideshare Sexual Assault
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault in an Uber or other rideshare vehicle, it’s important to understand that help is available. At Helping Survivors, we connect survivors to trusted legal professionals and resources to ensure your rights are protected. Contact us today to learn about your legal options.
