Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit Settlement Amounts Californians Could Expect
Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Short answer: For Uber sexual assault cases, settlements typically range from 50,000 to $500,000 for individual cases. Higher amounts ($1 million+) ten to happen for cases with severe physical injuries or particularly egregious circumstances
Possible Uber Sexual Assault Settlement in Tiers
| Case Complexity | Settlement Range | Case Characteristics |
| Minor | Approximately: $15,000 – $100,000 | Verbal harassment or unwanted advances, limited or no physical contact, minimal documented psychological impact, little to no medical treatment required, limited evidence beyond victim testimony, no prior complaints against driver |
| Moderate | Approximately: $100,000 – $500,000 | Unwanted touching or groping, moderate documented psychological trauma, therapy/counseling required, some corroborating evidence available, possible prior complaints about driver, some impact on victim’s daily life/work, moderate negligence in Uber’s screening process |
| High | Approximately: $500,000 – $5,000,000+ | Severe sexual assault or rape, significant physical injuries, major documented psychological trauma, extensive medical/psychiatric treatment required, strong corroborating evidence (witnesses, video, etc.), prior complaints about driver ignored by Uber, substantial impact on victim’s career/relationships, clear negligence in Uber’s background checks, cases in plaintiff-friendly jurisdictions (e.g., California) |
Calculate What Your Case Might Be Worth
Pursuing justice after sexual assault is never easy for any survivors. We want to help. Use the calculator below to estimate what your potential case might be worth. Estimates can be provided in 90 seconds or less. Start your journey to justice.
Can Californians Typically Recover More for Uber Sexual Assault Cases
Yes, Californians typically can recover more money in Uber sexual assault cases compared to many other states, for several reasons:
- Higher damage awards: California courts and juries tend to award higher compensatory damages overall than many other states.
- Punitive damages availability: California has relatively plaintiff-friendly laws regarding punitive damages, which can significantly increase total recovery in egregious cases.
- State-specific laws: California has enacted specific legislation regarding sexual assault in rideshare services that creates additional legal pathways for recovery.
- Longer statute of limitations: California’s statute of limitations for sexual assault cases (generally 10 years) is longer than many states, allowing more cases to proceed.
- Employment classification: California’s AB5 and subsequent legislation regarding gig workers potentially creates additional liability avenues against Uber as an employer rather than just a platform.
- Deeper pockets for defendants: Many rideshare companies are headquartered in California, potentially making them subject to stricter liability standards.
- Established precedent: There have been several large settlements in California for these cases, establishing precedent for higher compensation ranges.
- Cost of living adjustment: Settlement amounts often reflect local economic factors, and California’s high cost of living can influence higher settlement values.
Example Uber Sexual Assault Cases
Individual settlements are rarely disclosed publicly, making precise averages and details difficult to determine.
*Below are a few fictitious examples of Uber sexual assault settlements. The figures presented in are approximations based on past case results and should not be interpreted as a prediction or guarantee.
Successful Settlement Example
Case Background: In 2018, a female passenger in Los Angeles filed a lawsuit after being sexually assaulted by her Uber driver. The driver had deviated from the route, driven to an isolated area, and assaulted her. The victim immediately reported the incident to police and Uber.
Why It Was Successful:
- The victim had contemporaneous evidence: she had texted a friend during the ride expressing concern about the driver’s behavior
- The driver had a previous complaint of inappropriate comments that Uber had documented but taken no action on
- GPS data from the Uber app confirmed the unauthorized route deviation
- The victim sought immediate medical attention and had documentation of injuries
- Police reports corroborated her account
Outcome: The case settled for approximately $1.1 million before trial. The settlement included non-monetary terms requiring Uber to improve its driver screening process in the region.
Unsuccessful Settlement Example
Case Background: In 2019, a passenger in California claimed sexual assault by an Uber driver after a night of heavy drinking. The lawsuit sought $2 million in damages.
Why It Was Unsuccessful:
- There was a significant time gap (3 days) between the alleged incident and reporting
- No medical evidence was collected
- GPS data showed no route deviation
- Security camera footage from the passenger’s apartment building showed them walking steadily and without apparent distress
- The driver had no prior complaints and had an excellent rating
- Text messages recovered showed the passenger had previously made false accusations in other situations
Outcome: The case proceeded to litigation but was ultimately dismissed by the court due to lack of evidence. No settlement was reached, and the plaintiff was responsible for their own legal costs.
Steps to Take if You’ve Been Sexually Assaulted During an Uber Ride
If you’ve experienced sexual assault or harassment during an Uber ride, taking prompt and specific actions can significantly impact both your recovery and any potential legal claim. This guide outlines the critical steps to take following such an incident.
Immediate Actions
Ensure Your Safety First
- If possible, exit the vehicle as soon as it’s safe to do so
- Move to a public, well-lit area
- Call a trusted friend or family member to come meet you
Seek Medical Attention
- Visit an emergency room or urgent care facility immediately, even if you don’t see visible injuries
- Ask specifically for a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) if available
- Allow medical professionals to conduct a sexual assault forensic exam (sometimes called a “rape kit”)
- Don’t shower, change clothes, or clean up before medical examination to preserve evidence
- Request documentation of all findings, including photographs of any injuries
File a Police Report
- Contact local law enforcement as soon as possible
- Provide as many details as you can remember about the driver and incident
- Get a copy of the police report or at minimum the report number
- Ask about victim advocacy services available through the police department
Documenting the Incident
Preserve Digital Evidence
- Take screenshots of your Uber trip details in the app, including:
- Driver’s name and photo
- Vehicle information
- Trip route
- Receipt/cost information
- Save any communications between you and the driver
- Preserve any text messages or calls you made to others during or after the ride
Record Your Recollection
- Write down all details you can remember as soon as possible
- Include time, location, sequence of events, and any conversations
- Note what you were wearing (as this may be requested later)
- Document any witnesses who may have seen you enter or exit the vehicle
Track Your Damages
- Keep receipts for all medical care, including follow-up treatment
- Document missed work days and lost wages
- Keep records of therapy or counseling sessions
- Note changes in your daily functioning, sleep patterns, or emotional well-being
Reporting to Uber
In-App Reporting
- Use the Uber app to report the incident through the “Trip Issues” section
- Select “I had a safety-related issue” option
- Provide specific details about what occurred
- Request that the driver be blocked from being matched with you in the future
Follow-Up Communication
- Document all communications with Uber representatives
- Save emails and record phone conversations if legally permitted in your state
- Request written confirmation of any actions Uber takes regarding your report
- Be persistent if you don’t receive a timely response
Contacting a Specialized Attorney
Finding the Right Legal Representation
- Look for attorneys who specialize in:
- Sexual assault cases
- Rideshare litigation
- Personal injury claims
- Ask about their specific experience with Uber assault cases
- Inquire about their track record of settlements and verdicts in similar cases
Initial Consultation
- Most specialized attorneys offer free initial consultations
- Bring all documentation you’ve gathered
- Be prepared to discuss details of the assault (though a good attorney will be sensitive to trauma)
- Ask questions about:
- Potential timeline for your case
- Likelihood of settlement vs. trial
- Potential compensation ranges
- Their fee structure (most work on contingency)
Understanding Legal Representation
- An attorney can help you:
- Navigate communications with Uber
- File necessary claims and lawsuits before deadlines expire
- Coordinate with law enforcement
- Gather additional evidence and expert testimony
- Negotiate settlements
- Represent you in court if necessary
Additional Support Resources
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): www.rainn.org
- Local rape crisis centers (search by your location)
- Victims of Crime compensation programs in your state
Remember that taking action promptly not only strengthens potential legal claims but can also be an important part of the healing process. You deserve support and justice following such a traumatic experience.
Have Questions About Your Potential Case?
Looking for help with your potential uber sexual assault case? Contact one of our California sexual assault attorneys today to get a free consultation.
