Sexual Assault by Rideshare Drivers

Sexual Assault Lawyer in Anchorage

Using a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft is a common mode of transportation. Many people call these companies after a night of drinking or if they are otherwise unable to make it safely to their destination. Unfortunately, these drivers do not always provide a safe environment for their passengers. When you are sexually assaulted by a rideshare driver, you may feel particularly unsafe and vulnerable in the future. Anchorage sexual assault attorney Sean Brown at the Alaska Accident and Injury Law Center of the Brown Law Firm, LLC helps victims of these assaults pursue the proper legal action against those responsible. Drivers, as well as the companies we rely on to ensure our safety, may be held accountable for the harm caused by such attacks. Mr. Brown is dedicated to making sure sexual assault victims understand their legal rights at every stage of a proceeding. Our firm offers committed and compassionate legal representation to clients throughout Alaska. If you have questions about your legal options following a sexual assault by a rideshare driver, please call our office today at 907.222.9900 to find out more.

Rideshare Sexual Assault

A sexual assault or abuse in a rideshare can be other actions besides a forced sexual act. For example, it can include requests for sexual favors; sexual harassment in the form of an obscene joke or comment; indecent exposure; or unsolicited touching or other physical contact. When a person is overly intoxicated, they cannot consent to sexual intercourse. Rideshare drivers who take advantage of a passed out or partially conscious individual under the influence of alcohol should be held accountable. A sexual assault lawyer in Anchorage can help victims of these assaults assess their situation and get the justice they need in court.

The major rideshare companies, Uber and Lyft, are expected to do proper background checks on individuals before allowing them to participate in being drivers for their services. Uber recently reported that, in one year, there were almost 1000 sexual assaults and 141 rapes of passengers. The majority of these attacks were by drivers on female passengers. If you’ve been assaulted by an Uber or Lyft driver, you may have a claim against both the driver and the company. Generally, negligence is the basis of personal injury suits in Alaska. Negligence is shown when a party breaches the duty of reasonable care to another, causing them injury, and resulting in damages. Drivers who sexually assault passengers have breached their duty to act as a reasonable and prudent person would under similar circumstances. Uber or Lyft could also be found negligent for failing to engage in adequate background checks or taking other inaction to protect their customers.

Victims of sexual assault may be entitled to compensation for the harm they suffer. Damages can include medical expenses related to both physical and emotional injuries, such as therapy bills, any hospital stays, and other related costs. Victims may also be awarded compensation for loss of income, loss of enjoyment or other pain and suffering damages. Pursuing these claims is not only important to get justice for victims, but also ensure that these companies take future action to prevent it from happening again. The statute of limitations for injury claims in Alaska is two years, making time of the essence in beginning the legal process.

Anchorage Sexual Assault Attorney

If you’ve been sexually assaulted by an Uber or Lyft driver, you may feel helpless and confused at what to do next. Pursuing a legal claim can sometimes help in your recovery and regaining a sense of power. Anchorage sexual assault lawyer Sean Brown and his team at The Brown Law Firm, LLC are committed to assisting victims in their lawsuits against those responsible for their harm. Because of the multiple parties and interests of large companies that can be involved in these cases, it is important for victims to have an experienced and strong advocate on their side. The Alaska Accident and Injury Law Center represents clients in Anchorage as well as throughout the Western Alaska areas, including Aniak, Bethel, Hooper Bay, and Saint Mary’s. If you need legal guidance following a sexual assault by a rideshare driver, please call our office at 907.222.9900 to speak with an attorney today.