A violent altercation between an Uber driver and passenger in Charleston, S.C., left CEO Bryan Kobel hospitalized with a severe concussion. The incident occurred on April 24, 2024, when Kobel, the CEO of TC BioPharm, was denied a ride by Uber driver Vadim Nikolaevich Uliumdzhiev, who reportedly refused to allow Kobel to travel with his service dog.
The resulting lawsuit against Uber, filed on August 18, 2025, accuses Uliumdzhiev of using a fake driver’s license to secure employment with Uber and alleges that the driver physically assaulted Kobel after the ride was canceled. Uliumdzhiev, a Russian national, has already been charged with second-degree assault and battery, and is currently being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Georgia.
The Assault and Injuries Sustained
Kobel, who informed the driver that his dog was a registered service animal, was reportedly met with violent aggression when he asked Uliumdzhiev to cancel the ride. The driver allegedly grabbed Kobel by the throat, headbutted him, and punched him in the jaw, causing Kobel to fall to the ground and hit his head.
The assault was captured by a nearby surveillance camera, showing Kobel being knocked unconscious. He suffered a severe concussion and required seven staples and four stitches to his head. Kobel has since spoken out about the physical and emotional toll the attack has taken on him, sharing that it took about 60 days to regain some sense of normalcy in his life.
Legal Action and Impact on Uber’s Accountability
Kobel’s lawsuit seeks justice for the injuries and trauma he sustained, highlighting concerns about Uber’s hiring practices and safety protocols. The case raises significant questions about how Uber screens its drivers and ensures they meet basic safety standards, particularly when interacting with vulnerable passengers and individuals with service animals.
Kobel’s experience emphasizes the risks that rideshare passengers may face if companies like Uber fail to properly vet their drivers or ensure that reasonable accommodations are made for individuals with service animals. The lawsuit is part of a broader call for greater accountability from rideshare companies when it comes to passenger safety and employee conduct. Greater safety protections for passengers such as cameras and comprehensive background checks are directly named in the Uber multi-district litigation lawsuit as a necessity.
Supporting Victims and Holding Rideshare Companies Accountable
Incidents like this serve as a harsh reminder of the potential dangers passengers face when using rideshare services. At Helping Survivors, we are committed to supporting victims of violence, whether in a rideshare setting or elsewhere. We provide legal resources, guidance, and emotional support to ensure that survivors of abuse and assault can pursue justice.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a rideshare-related incident such as passenger sexual assault, it’s important to understand your rights and options. Contact Helping Survivors today for assistance in navigating your legal journey and accessing the support you need.
