Levin Simes Files Lawsuit Against Lyft for Teenager Sexual Assault

By Levin Simes
April 7, 2022

Lyft Sexual Assault Lawyers

Levin Simes Files Lawsuit Against Lyft for Teenager Sexual Assault

Rideshares should be a safe transportation option for children and teenagers who can’t drive—are young people safe with Lyft drivers?

The law firm of Levin Simes has filed a lawsuit on behalf of a teenage boy and his mother over a case of sexual assault during a Lyft ride. We have included a public statement below and the relevant details of the case.

We also have statistics about Lyft sexual assaults, and how you can take legal action against Lyft. There is nothing more important than your safety and the well-being of children in our community. Hold Lyft and other rideshare companies like Uber accountable for their negligence.

Levin Simes is a woman-led law firm that concentrates on vital issues that are too often marginalized in male-dominated fields. This includes cases involving rideshare harassment, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse. Contact us for a free, respectful, confidential consultation by calling (415) 426-3000.

A teenage boy in a gray hoodie faces away from the camera, looking at a pathway near a graffitied brick wall.

Is There a Lawsuit Against Lyft for Sexual Assault of a Minor?

Yes, attorney William A. Levin of Levin Simes has filed a lawsuit against Lyft based on the following alleged details:

  • A 16-year-old boy designated as John Doe LSA 213 (to protect his privacy) was sent home in a Lyft car from a friend’s birthday party on Jan. 11, 2020
  • The driver proceeded to show nude photos to the minor, discuss his own sexual proclivities, and proposition the teenager with an offer of oral sex
  • The driver then exposed himself, and forcibly touched the minor boy without consent

The fear and emotional distress of such a situation has a long-lasting psychological impact, especially on children and young people. This is because the rational response mechanisms of the human brain are still developing until roughly age 25.

This teenager’s mother is suing Lyft on behalf of her son for damages including humiliation, degradation, and the emotional trauma inflicted by the violation of his personal dignity and sense of safety. If you need similar representation, call Levin Simes at (415) 480-7448 to take back your power.

How Many Sexual Assaults Has Lyft Had?

There are over 1,000 sexual assault incidents reported to Lyft each year, and those numbers are increasing. Sexual assaults include unwanted touching, groping, and cases of rape. Not all assaults that occur are reported directly to Lyft, and many go unreported to anyone, including law enforcement.

According to the firm, “Although Levin Simes has represented over 1,000 rideshare sexual assault victims, only a handful of them have been minors.” These cases are particularly appalling, because they involve a person whose childhood has now been violated by the disgusting and inexcusable actions of an adult.

Both the driver and Lyft should be held responsible in this case—the perpetrator for his actions, and Lyft for failing to keep predators from private access to the individuals and children using their service. It is unacceptable to write sexual assaults off as part of the cost of doing business, and our sexual abuse attorneys will hold rideshare companies accountable.

It is unacceptable to write sexual assaults off as part of the cost of doing business for rideshare companies.

How Much Is the Average Settlement for Sexual Assault Cases Involving Lyft?

The average settlement for a rideshare sexual assault case is impossible to represent with one number, because each case is considered on its own unique circumstances. However, many notable settlements and verdicts have been in the tens of millions of dollars range, and cover costs such as:

  • Medical bills and therapeutic treatment
  • Lost wages and future earnings for adults, adolescents, and the caretakers of minors
  • Pain and suffering including physical injury and psychological harm (like PTSD)
  • Punitive damages charged as punishment for wrongdoers, funds that are then awarded to you
  • Wrongful death expenses in cases where a sexual assault leads to a fatality (as in cases of suicide)

The rate of suicide attempts increases for teenagers who’ve experienced sexual molestation, assault, or violence. This is true for all young people, regardless of gender. This is why legal action to prevent predatory access to children during Lyft rides is so important.

How Do I Take Legal Action Against Lyft?

The short answer: hire a rideshare sexual assault attorney with proven experience.

If you or a minor in your care has experienced any form of sexual abuse while in a rideshare vehicle, you have the right to take legal action. Your choice to pursue a case against Lyft or Uber today could help you afford better treatment, find some sense of closure, and possibly save another person’s life by incentivizing better safety protocols for rideshares.

Contact Levin Simes at (415) 426-3000 when you’re ready to be heard. We are on the record with CNN, NPR, and other major news outlets as national leaders in Lyft and Uber sexual assault cases. We will be your frontline of advocacy every step of the way.


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