Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit Update: 9th Circuit Ruling Merges 1,600+ Cases

In an important decision, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that more than 1,600 sexual assault lawsuits against Uber can move ahead together in a single court. This isn’t just a legal update. It could be a breakthrough for many people who have been waiting for justice.

This Uber lawsuit news shows that not only are survivors’ voices being heard, but it proves that no company, no matter how powerful, can silence people through fine print or legal tactics.

Levin Simes is proud to serve as lead counsel in this fight. We have already secured settlements for over 500 Uber and Lyft sexual assault survivors. As a women-led law firm, we are committed to standing up for those who have been harmed, especially when large companies put profits before people. 

If you or someone you love was assaulted in an Uber or Lyft, call our team today at (415) 426-3000 or fill out our confidential online form to schedule a free, private case review.

About the Uber Court Decision

In a major development in the ongoing litigation against Uber, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that over 1,600 sexual assault cases filed by survivors can be consolidated and heard before a single judge in San Francisco. This decision clears the way for these cases to proceed as part of what’s known as multidistrict litigation, or MDL.

Multidistrict litigation is used when many people across the country file lawsuits that involve similar facts or claims against the same defendant. Rather than handling each case separately in different courts, MDL allows them to be combined under one federal judge. 

This process helps ease court backlogs, reduces costs for taxpayers, avoids conflicting rulings, and allows for more efficient discovery, which is especially important in cases involving large companies and complex evidence.

Uber had argued that its user agreement, specifically a clause in its terms of service, blocked riders from joining a consolidated lawsuit. The company claimed each survivor should be required to pursue their case individually. 

However, the 9th Circuit Uber decision rejected this argument, affirming that federal law allows for centralization in the interest of justice. The court emphasized that Uber’s contract could not override established federal legal procedures.

Why Uber Attempted to Prevent This Consolidation

Uber’s main argument against combining the sexual assault lawsuits was based on something most people overlook: the fine print in their Terms of Service. When someone signs up to use the Uber app, they must agree to a lengthy user agreement filled with legal language. Hidden in that agreement was a “non-consolidation clause,” stating that riders could not band together in group lawsuits.

Uber falsely claimed that this clause was actually better for survivors, suggesting that each case would be heard individually on its own merits. 

However, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals disagreed with Uber’s position. The court ruled that federal law takes precedence over private contracts like Uber’s. Because of that, the company’s Terms of Service could not prevent the government from consolidating similar cases into one multidistrict litigation. 

The judges noted that allowing companies to write away people’s legal rights through terms no one realistically reads would threaten the fairness of the legal system. Most users didn’t even realize they had given away their right to consolidate in the first place, since it was hidden away.

Hundreds of survivors have come forward with claims that Uber ignored warning signs, failed to report assaults to the police, and allowed known offenders to continue driving, all while collecting millions in so-called “rider safety fees.” 

By rejecting Uber’s attempt to sidestep the legal system, the court drew a firm line: companies cannot use hidden contract clauses to avoid accountability. Reach out to Levin Simes today online or by calling (415) 426-3000 to schedule a 100% free case review. We provide a safe space to share your story and will ensure you understand what the latest Uber lawsuit news means for your potential case.

The Larger Importance of the 9th Circuit Uber Ruling

The latest Uber sexual assault lawsuit update protects more than just Uber riders. It benefits anyone who uses apps or online services. The 9th Circuit’s ruling could reshape how courts handle legal claims involving other popular apps and gig-economy platforms, including Lyft, Airbnb, dog-walking services, delivery apps, and more.

Many of these companies use similar click-to-agree contracts, also known as Terms of Service, to limit their liability. These agreements are usually long, full of legal jargon, and difficult to understand. Most users accept them without reading, simply to use the service. 

But buried inside are often clauses that try to stop people from joining together in lawsuits, seeking jury trials, or even going to court at all.

In the past, multidistrict lawsuits have helped expose deep wrongdoing by major corporations and unveiled systemic problems, resulting in major changes in the company itself.

For example, consolidated lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson revealed the company knew about its baby powder and other talc-based products testing positive for carcinogenic asbestos for over half a century, and litigation against Purdue Pharma uncovered how the company fueled the opioid crisis. 

These cases not only led to historic settlements but also forced companies to change the way they operate.

Levin Simes: Your Source for the Latest Uber Lawsuit Update

One major reason Uber fought to prevent these cases from being consolidated is that centralized litigation leads to discovery, the legal process where both sides must exchange evidence. This can include internal documents, data, and communications that would otherwise remain out of public view.

Uber has been working for months to avoid this stage of the case, likely because discovery could reveal what the company knew about sexual assaults involving its drivers and how it responded to those reports.

Countless survivors across the country have come forward with similar experiences, and many more are still deciding whether to speak out. Whatever stage you are in, we want you to know that support is available, and it starts with a conversation.

The recent Uber sexual assault lawsuit update has opened the door for survivors to stand together and be heard. If you believe Uber failed to protect you or someone you love, now is the time to act. Contact Levin Simes online or call (415) 426-3000 today to schedule a confidential, no-obligation case evaluation.