NY Lyft Sexual Assault Lawyer
Over the past five years, hundreds of individuals have filed sexual assault lawsuits against the rideshare company Lyft for failing to adequately vet drivers and protect riders from known repeat offenders. The lawsuits accuse Lyft of negligence in failing to ensure rider safety and adequately respond to incident reports.
Between 2020 and 2022, Lyft reported 2,651 sexual assault incidents involving its drivers, including instances of non-consensual touching, rape, and attempted rape. If you or a loved one experienced sexual assault by a New York Lyft driver, you have the right to justice, and an experienced sexual assault attorney can help.
Have you experienced sexual assault or abuse?
Helping Survivors can connect you with an attorney if you may have a case. While we cannot report a crime on your behalf, your safety is important. Please contact your local authorities for further assistance.
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Author: Kathryn Kosmides
Survivor Advocate
- In recent years, thousands of people have reported sexual assaults by Lyft drivers, and many survivors have sued the rideshare company for failing to protect them.
- You may be eligible to file a Lyft sexual assault lawsuit in New York if you experienced any form of sexual assault by a driver during a Lyft ride.
- If you experienced rideshare sexual assault, Helping Survivors can help provide legal connections with experienced sexual assault attorneys to handle your case.
Understanding Your Rights as a Lyft Sexual Assault Victim in New York
Victims of assaults by Lyft drivers may be eligible to take legal action against both the individual driver and Lyft, which may be held responsible for both its drivers’ misconduct and its own negligence. At Helping Survivors, we inform survivors about the civil litigation process so they can make informed decisions about filing Lyft sexual assault lawsuits.
Choosing the Right Lyft Sexual Assault Lawyer in New York
Finding a qualified attorney who represents rideshare sexual assault survivors is the key to a successful case. At Helping Survivors, we can connect you with a leading New York area law firm to file a lawsuit and litigate your case against Lyft and the driver who assaulted you.
Specialization in Lyft Sexual Assault Cases
It is important to work with an experienced New York Lyft sexual assault attorney when pursuing a sexual assault lawsuit. 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 York State Law
The attorney you hire for a New York sexual assault lawsuit must be deeply familiar with state liability laws and procedural rules, such as the statute of limitations. Statutes of limitation set the deadlines for filing criminal charges and civil lawsuits. These laws vary by state.
In New York, adult survivors of severe sexual offenses have 20 years to file a civil lawsuit. Meanwhile, the deadlines for prosecutors to file criminal charges vary by the severity of the offense. For instance, there is no time limit for first-degree rape charges, whereas charges for forcible touching must be brought within two years of the offense.
A New York-based lawyer will also have the local legal connections and resources necessary for effective advocacy, so it is critical to speak to a professional attorney as soon as possible.
Track Record of Successful Outcomes
When searching for an attorney to take your New York rideshare sexual assault case, it’s key to look for a lawyer who has achieved favorable outcomes in similar cases. A history of successful settlements, verdicts, or mediation in rideshare assault cases will build 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.
- Understanding Your Rights as a Lyft Sexual Assault Victim in New York
- Choosing the Right Lyft Sexual Assault Lawyer in New York
- What to Expect When Filing a Lyft Sexual Assault Lawsuit in New York
- What Compensation Can You Receive for a New York Lyft Sexual Assault Lawsuit?
- Helping Survivors is Here to Help
- Want To Speak With A Lawyer?
What to Expect When Filing a Lyft Sexual Assault Lawsuit in New York
An experienced attorney can assist you in investigating your case, gathering evidence, and representing you in court. The process for filing a Lyft sexual assault lawsuit in New York typically involves the following steps.
Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation
The first step in filing a sexual assault lawsuit in New York is typically a consultation with a lawyer who specializes in sexual assault cases. During this meeting, the lawyer will evaluate your case, ask you questions about the details of the assault, and assess the potential for a lawsuit.
Law firms typically take civil sexual assault cases on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid once they obtain a settlement or judgment. Under this arrangement, the client doesn’t pay anything up front, making filing a lawsuit more accessible to sexual violence victims.
Gathering Evidence
Before filing suit, your legal team will investigate the incident and collect evidence of the assault. This evidence may include witness statements, medical records, ride logs, dashcam or surveillance footage, and written communications with the driver.
Filing a Complaint
The next step is to file a legal complaint with the appropriate court. Your attorney will draft a complaint that outlines the allegations against the rideshare driver, Lyft, or any other responsible parties.
Defendant’s Response and Discovery Process
After your complaint has been filed, the defendants will file a response. The case will then proceed to the discovery phase, where the parties exchange evidence and take depositions. This process may involve pre-trial motions. The court might rule on certain issues, such as sealing documents or excluding certain pieces of evidence.
Settlement Negotiations and Trial Process
Throughout the entire case, the parties will negotiate for a settlement. If negotiations are unsuccessful, the litigation will continue. The case might proceed to trial before a judge and jury. At trial, both sides will present their arguments and evidence, witnesses will testify, and a jury will decide the outcome. If a jury rules in your favor, it will also decide how much compensation to award.
What Compensation Can You Receive for a New York Lyft Sexual Assault Lawsuit?
In a New York sexual assault lawsuit, survivors may be awarded compensation for medical expenses, emotional distress, pain and suffering, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and other damages.
Every case is different, so there’s no set amount of compensation a victim can receive. However, filing a lawsuit against the driver who perpetrated the assault and Lyft could significantly increase the damages you receive.
Helping Survivors is Here to Help
If you or a loved one experienced sexual assault by a Lyft driver, you have legal rights and options for holding the driver and the company accountable. Every survivor’s experience is unique, and what they choose to do afterward is ultimately their choice. If you decide to pursue legal action, it’s important to contact a New York Lyft sexual assault lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case.
At Helping Survivors, our mission is to help heal, educate, and empower people impacted by sexual assault and abuse.
We work to inform survivors of their legal options, provide resources for support, and connect survivors with our partner law firms. Our legal partners will determine whether you have grounds to file a civil lawsuit and, if so, seek justice from the individuals and organizations that perpetrated and enabled the assault.
To learn more about your rights and options, contact us today.
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