When Rideshare Safety Fails in Austin
Austin's culture is built on trust and community. People use Uber and Lyft to get home from South Congress, Rainey Street, and Sixth Street, to leave late shifts downtown, or to travel between campus and housing near UT Austin. Every rider should expect safety from the moment they enter the car until the trip ends.
That expectation is not being met.
Company data and survivor accounts reveal repeated failures to remove unsafe drivers and protect passengers.
Uber's own safety reports reveal thousands of sexual assault incidents across the United States, many involving drivers who remained active despite prior complaints. Lyft's internal data reflects similar patterns of repeated reports and inadequate action.
In Austin, where rideshare demand surges during nightlife hours and major events like SXSW and ACL Fest, those risks are concentrated along busy routes through Downtown, East Austin, and the I-35 corridor.
Local survivors have reported assaults after leaving entertainment districts, airports, and hotels, often late at night when passengers were alone.
Common reports include:
- Drivers refusing to end rides when asked,
- Passengers locked inside vehicles,
- Drivers with prior complaints continuing to operate, and
- Harassing contact through apps or social media after rides.
These actions, ranging from unwanted contact to physical assault, violate both personal boundaries and corporate promises of safety. A company may be legally responsible when its negligence allows this behavior to occur.
Failures that can support a civil claim include:
- Negligent hiring or incomplete background screening,
- Ignoring complaints or safety warnings,
- Allowing unsafe drivers to remain active, and
- Failing to enforce or improve safety policies.
Civil cases do not depend on criminal convictions. They focus on what Uber or Lyft knew —or should have known—and how inaction allowed harm to occur.
Why Civil Claims Matter
Civil claims hold corporations accountable for failing to address safety risks. Survivors pursue these cases to recover what was lost —financially and emotionally —and to expose the systems that failed them.
What Civil Cases Can Achieve
A civil case can:
- Access company safety records and complaint histories;
- Secure compensation for therapy, medical care, and lost income;
- Hold Uber and Lyft financially responsible for preventable harm; and
- Push for stronger safety protections for future riders.
Take Back Your Power One Step at a Time
Understanding what happened is the first step. Knowing your rights is the next. Our attorneys have guided hundreds of survivors through this process, helping them regain control and find stability after rideshare assaults.
You don't have to decide anything today. You can start by asking questions and learning what's possible under Texas law.
Contact us at (415) 426-3000 to speak with a trauma-informed Austin Lyft sexual assault attorney.
Your Rights and Legal Options Under Texas Law
Texas law gives survivors tools to pursue justice in civil court.
- Time Limit to File: Five years from the date of assault; for minors, the clock starts at age 18.
- No Requirement to Report: You do not need to file a police report or notify Uber or Lyft to pursue a civil claim.
- Anonymous Filing: Texas courts allow pseudonyms such as Jane Doe to protect your identity.
- Protection from Retaliation: State law prohibits retaliation or harassment for reporting or taking legal action.
Compensation in civil claims can address:
- Medical and emergency care;
- Mental health treatment;
- Lost income;
- Emotional suffering and trauma-related disability; and
- Long-term recovery needs.
An Austin Uber sexual assault lawyer can explain how these rights apply to your case and help you proceed safely and privately.
Research from Martindale-Nolo found that survivors who worked with experienced attorneys recovered more than three times the compensation of those who handled civil claims alone. Skilled legal representation can make a measurable difference, helping survivors secure resources for treatment, therapy, and long-term recovery.
What To Do After a Rideshare Assault in Austin
After an assault, it's hard to know what to do next. There's no single right way to respond, and no deadline for deciding.
If you're considering next steps, you can:
- Seek medical care. Hospitals can provide treatment and documentation without requiring a police report.
- Preserve what you can. Save trip details, messages, or photos of injuries. An attorney can help determine what's useful.
- Report if you choose. You may notify law enforcement or the rideshare company, but it's not required.
- Talk to a trauma-informed Austin Uber sexual assault attorney. Legal guidance can help you understand your rights and what a civil claim may involve.
"You deserve support and information before any decisions are made."
— Laurel L. Simes.
Why Survivors Choose Levin Simes
Levin Simes is a women-led, trauma-informed law firm with national experience representing survivors of Uber and Lyft sexual assault.
Laurel Simes leads the firm's national Lyft sexual assault litigation as co-lead counsel, drawing on decades of courtroom experience to advocate for survivors in Austin and across the country.
Our attorneys have worked with more than 500 survivors nationwide, combining legal skill with an approach grounded in patience, respect, and understanding.
We know how trauma affects memory, decision-making, and trust. Each case moves at the survivor's pace, not ours. You decide what to share, when to proceed, and how involved you want to be. Our role is to protect your rights, amplify your voice, and ensure you never face the process alone.
Through litigation, Levin Simes has exposed unsafe company practices, demanded reform, and held Uber and Lyft accountable. National outlets such as CNN, Bloomberg, NPR, The Guardian, and CBS News have recognized our leadership in rideshare assault cases.
Clients often describe a sense of relief in finally being heard.
"So grateful for all the work that you, your staff, and your firm have done for me and other survivors in this situation. I will forever be grateful."
— C.R., Levin & Simes Client
Austin Resources for Survivor Support
If you experienced sexual assault during a rideshare trip, confidential help is available in Austin. The following organizations offer emotional support, counseling, and access to medical care.
RAINN (National Sexual Assault Hotline)
Provides 24/7 confidential crisis support by phone and chat, along with referrals to local services.
UT Austin Counseling and Mental Health Center
Offers confidential counseling and trauma support for UT Austin students affected by sexual assault or harassment.
Texas State University Sexual Assault Resources
24-hour crisis line; provides counseling and crisis response for Texas State students and community members.
These services operate independently from law enforcement and the courts. You can reach out at any time for care or guidance, whether or not you decide to report or file a case.
If you're ready to learn about your legal options, support is also available through experienced attorneys who understand these cases.
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