Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed the way Louisianans travel by offering convenience, affordability, and a sense of safety for those heading home after a night out, catching a ride to the airport, or simply getting around their cities. However, when that trust is violated, the consequences are devastating for innocent passengers.
At Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers, we stand with survivors of sexual assault and rape committed by rideshare drivers in Louisiana. Our compassionate legal team helps victims hold negligent companies and offenders accountable while ensuring they receive the justice and support they deserve.
If you or someone you love was victimized by a rideshare driver, you don’t have to suffer in silence any longer. Our experienced legal team knows how to build cases against these billion-dollar companies from the ground up, and we’ll work hard to maximize your chances of getting full compensation while providing the compassionate and sensitive legal representation you need. Contact us today for a free consultation.
When Rideshare Safety Fails
Uber and Lyft promise riders safe transportation, yet numerous reports show that both companies have failed to prevent sexual assaults by drivers who slipped through weak background checks or whose prior complaints were ignored.
According to Uber’s own transparency reports, the company received sexual misconduct allegations once every eight minutes over a five-year period. Lyft faces similar accusations and ongoing lawsuits nationwide.
Despite these alarming statistics, both companies continue to rely heavily on automated background checks, including systems that can miss prior arrests, dismissed charges, or complaints lodged in other states. Survivors are now turning to civil courts to expose these failures and demand meaningful change.
Sexual Assault Cases in Louisiana
These tragedies have occurred right here in Louisiana:
- Baton Rouge Lyft Driver: In Feb. 2019, WSOC-TV reported that a Louisiana Lyft driver was charged with raping an intoxicated passenger he picked up from a bar. Investigators said the woman was incapacitated when he assaulted her in his vehicle.
- New Orleans Uber Driver: WWL-TV reported that in Oct. 2017, a Louisiana woman filed a civil suit against Uber and a former driver, alleging she was raped after accepting a ride home. Her case claims Uber ignored multiple red flags in the driver’s background check and failed to protect passengers despite previous warnings.
- Baton Rouge Rideshare Impostor: In Feb. 2019, WAFB reported that a Baton Rouge woman narrowly escaped after a man posing as a rideshare driver attempted to kidnap her outside a bar. Police later warned residents to always confirm license plate and driver details before entering a vehicle. While this driver wasn’t actually working for a rideshare company, the story highlights the dangers of getting into a stranger’s vehicle.
Each of these stories underscores the same truth: what should be a safe ride home can quickly become a life-altering nightmare when companies fail to screen or monitor their drivers responsibly.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Rideshare-Related Sexual Assaults
Rideshare-related sexual assault claims often involve multiple parties. Survivors may be able to pursue damages against:
- The individual driver for the assault itself
- Uber or Lyft, for negligent hiring, supervision, or failure to investigate prior complaints
- Third-party contractors if background checks were performed inadequately or records were ignored
- Bar or venue owners if they overserved visibly intoxicated patrons who later became targets of assault
At Dudley DeBosier, we investigate every angle of liability to hold all responsible parties accountable and help survivors secure the resources they need to heal.
Your Rights After a Rideshare Assault
Victims of sexual assault in rideshares have the right to pursue civil claims for damages such as:
- Pain and emotional suffering
- Therapy and counseling costs
- Lost wages or loss of earning capacity
- Medical expenses
- Punitive damages meant to punish egregious negligence
Our attorneys are trauma-informed and experienced in handling sensitive cases discreetly and compassionately. We work closely with survivors, law enforcement, and advocacy groups to ensure every legal option is explored without retraumatizing the victim.
Why Gaps in Background Checks Matter
A growing number of lawsuits and investigations shows that Uber and Lyft’s background checks often miss critical information, including prior assault allegations, dismissed charges, and even prior driving bans under other identities.
Unlike traditional taxi companies, rideshare platforms classify drivers as independent contractors, avoiding stricter state licensing and fingerprint-based checks. This lack of oversight can allow predators to slip through the cracks, sometimes even after victims file complaints.
How Dudley DeBosier Helps Rideshare Sexual Assault Survivors
Our Louisiana rideshare assault attorneys take a survivor-first approach, ensuring victims are heard, supported, and empowered throughout the process. We can help you:
- File a confidential civil lawsuit against the driver, Uber, Lyft, or other negligent parties
- Collaborate with investigators to strengthen your case with physical and digital evidence
- Work with trauma-recovery specialists and victim-advocacy networks in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and across the state
- Seek full compensation for your emotional and physical injuries
We know that coming forward takes immense courage. At Dudley DeBosier, you’ll have a team that believes you and fights relentlessly for your recovery and justice.
Contact Our Rideshare Sexual Assault Lawyers Today
If you or someone you love was sexually assaulted by an Uber or Lyft driver in Louisiana, you are not alone. You deserve safety, respect, and justice.
Contact Dudley DeBosier today for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your legal rights, and help you take the next step toward healing.
