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The overview below reflects general practice. Your own case is fact-specific — a qualified attorney is the only person who can apply these rules to your situation.
The Rideshare Sexual Assault Litigation at a Glance
Thousands of rideshare passengers — overwhelmingly women — allege that Uber and Lyft failed to implement adequate driver background screening, safety features, and response protocols, enabling sexual assaults by drivers. Uber's own 2019 U.S. Safety Report disclosed 3,045 reports of sexual assault in 2018 alone; similar numbers in subsequent reports. Litigation has consolidated into MDL 3084 (Uber) and coordinated state proceedings against Lyft.
MDL 3084 (Uber) Status
The JPML consolidated federal Uber cases in MDL 3084 in October 2023, assigning to Judge Charles R. Breyer in the Northern District of California. As of 2026:
- Thousands of cases consolidated.
- Bellwether selection underway.
- Motion practice on preemption arguments (Uber's argument that riders' arbitration agreements bar their claims) has been navigated.
- Case-specific discovery underway.
Lyft Coordinated Litigation
Lyft cases have been coordinated in California state court (JCCP 5061) with additional federal cases pending. Class action attempts have generally been converted to individual coordinated proceedings.
Alleged Systemic Failures
- Inadequate background screening: Third-party background checks failed to catch driver criminal history including prior sexual offenses.
- Missing biometric verification: Drivers logging into other drivers' accounts (account sharing/rental).
- Ineffective rider safety features: Delayed rollout of PIN codes, ride verification, in-app emergency features.
- Inadequate response to complaints: Drivers with prior assault reports continuing to drive.
- Choice-of-law manipulation: Terms of service driving arbitration and California-only law.
Uber's Own Safety Report Data
Uber's biennial U.S. Safety Reports disclose:
- 2017–2018: 5,981 total sexual assault reports.
- 2019–2020: 3,824 total sexual assault reports (COVID period had lower ride volume).
- Multiple later reports continue to disclose thousands of assault reports.
These company-produced figures materially strengthen plaintiff cases on notice and knowledge.
Documentation for a Case
- Confirmed rideshare use during the assault (app records, receipts).
- Contemporaneous reports (police report, hospital SANE exam, rideshare company report).
- Ongoing psychological treatment (PTSD diagnosis, therapy records).
- Represented by counsel experienced in MDL 3084.
Case Value Considerations
These cases carry significant emotional and physical injury components. Case values depend on:
- Severity of assault.
- Documented physical and psychological injury.
- Notice/warning defects specific to the driver involved.
- Ability to defeat arbitration challenges.
Funding Availability
Pre-settlement funding is available for filed cases with documented assault, contemporaneous reporting, and MDL-experienced counsel. Advance sizing is conservative pending case-value data.
The Bottom Line
The Uber and Lyft sexual assault litigation is one of the most significant corporate-responsibility mass torts in the platform economy. If you were assaulted during a rideshare, consult an MDL-experienced attorney promptly. Pre-settlement funding is available for filed cases to support survivors through the litigation timeline.
At Instabridge Funding, we work with plaintiff attorneys across all fifty states — attorney-founded, non-recourse, and transparently priced. If your case is filed and you would like a fair pre-settlement offer, apply through our portal and your attorney will hear back within one business day.
Frequently asked questions
The multidistrict litigation consolidating federal Uber sexual assault cases in the Northern District of California before Judge Charles Breyer.
No. Lyft cases are coordinated separately, primarily in California state court (JCCP 5061) with additional federal cases pending.
Uber attempted to enforce arbitration but faced significant challenges given the nature of the claims. Courts have generally allowed these cases to proceed on the merits.
Rape, sexual assault, unwanted physical contact, and non-consensual sexual advances by drivers against riders.
Yes, for filed cases with documented assault, contemporaneous reporting, and MDL-experienced counsel.
Physical injury damages, psychological injury damages, ongoing treatment costs, pain and suffering, and (in appropriate cases) punitive damages.
Bellwether trials are expected in 2026–2027 with potential global settlement negotiations 2027–2029.
Different states have different statutes of limitations. Consult an attorney promptly — many jurisdictions have extended statutes for sexual assault claims.
