What the Numbers Reveal About Uber and Sexual Assault
Uber's own safety reports have shed light on the prevalence of sexual assaults occurring on its platform. Even these numbers likely don’t capture the full picture, as most assaults go unreported.
Here’s a breakdown of what Uber’s own data shows about sexual assault across its safety reports:
2017-2018 Report
- 5,981 total sexual assault reports
- 464 reports of non-consensual sexual penetration (rape)
- 1 in 400,000 trips involved a reported sexual assault
- 54% of accused parties were drivers
- 45% of accused were riders
- 89% of survivors identified as women
2019-2020 Report
- 3,824 total sexual assault reports
- 998 reports occurred in 2020 alone, according to the second safety report
- 141 were categorized as rape
- 81% of survivors were female, 15% male, and 4% identified as another gender
2021-2022 Latest Uber Safety Report
- 2,717 sexual assault incidents reported between 2021 and 2022
- 1 in 700,000 trips involved a reported sexual assault (improved from 1 in 400,000)
- 355 reports of non-consensual sexual penetration (about 1 in 5 million trips)
- 1,401 reports of non-consensual touching of a sexual body part (about 1 in 1 million trips)
- 31% of victims were riders
- 68% of victims were drivers
- 89% of non-consensual sexual penetration survivors were women
- 8% were men
While progress has been made in reducing the number of reported incidents, these figures still reflect hundreds of traumatic events.
At Levin Simes, we share these statistics to highlight the seriousness and scope of the problem. But we also know that behind every number is a person. A survivor. A life that was changed by an experience that never should have happened.
Our goal is not just to show how often these assaults occur, but to make sure the people behind them are seen and heard. You are more than a statistic. If this has happened to you or someone you love, a Montana Uber sexual assault attorney from our firm is here to help you take the next step forward. Call us at (415) 426-3000 or fill out our online form to schedule a completely free and confidential consultation.
Montana Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit: What’s Driving the Legal Action
Uber is a multi-billion-dollar company that launched in 2009 and now operates in hundreds of cities worldwide. With that reach comes a clear responsibility: to protect the safety of the people who use its platform. Yet for years, survivors of sexual assault have accused Uber of failing to take the necessary steps to prevent violence in its rides.
The lawsuits being filed today are not just about individual drivers who committed harm. They are about a company that many believe chose to be reactive instead of proactive. Lawsuits argue that Uber knew, or should have known, about the risks and failed to act quickly or effectively to address them.
People filing lawsuits have raised serious concerns about Uber’s safety policies and decision-making, including:
- Inadequate background checks: Uber has been accused of not doing enough to screen drivers before allowing them on the platform. Survivors allege that some drivers had criminal records or past misconduct that should have raised red flags.
- Lack of in-person driver vetting: Uber does not conduct in-person interviews or evaluations of its drivers, which many believe could help prevent potentially dangerous individuals from gaining access to passengers.
- Failure to implement safety technology: Uber has faced criticism for not requiring security measures like in-car cameras or trip monitoring features earlier that could discourage assault and provide evidence when incidents occur.
The Profitable Illusion of Uber’s “Safe Rides Fee”
One of the most glaring examples of Uber’s failure to prioritize safety came in 2014, when the company introduced a $1-per-ride surcharge it called the “Safe Rides Fee.” Uber claimed this charge would help cover costs related to passenger safety, including driver background checks, insurance, and new safety technology.
In reality, internal reports later revealed that the fee had little to do with safety. It brought in an estimated $500 million for the company, yet Uber’s actual safety efforts at the time were minimal and often limited to a short online video for drivers.
Uber continued to promote this fee as a commitment to safety, even as assaults continued to occur. The truth eventually came to light through class action lawsuits and investigative reporting.
In 2016, Uber settled for $28.5 million after being accused of falsely advertising its rides as the “safest on the road.” The company was also forced to drop the “Safe Rides Fee” label and rename it the “Booking Fee,” a charge that still appears on customer bills today.
Uber received nearly 12,000 reports of sexual assault between 2017 and 2022. And those are just the ones that were reported. The real number could be much higher, as many survivors stay silent out of fear, shame, or distrust in the system.
How a Montana Uber Sexual Assault Lawyer Can Help You
After something as traumatic as a sexual assault, the idea of reliving that experience and going up against a massive company like Uber might feel like a losing battle.
We understand those doubts, and we don’t take them lightly. The truth is, the system has failed survivors far too often. But that’s exactly why we do this work. Here’s what we’ll do to support you in a Montana Uber sexual assault lawsuit:
- Building Your Case: Our team will gather relevant evidence such as rideshare records, driver history, and incident reports.
- Identifying Corporate Negligence: We don’t just focus on the individual who caused harm. We uncover whether Uber failed to screen, monitor, or respond appropriately and whether a larger pattern of neglect exists.
- Filing a Civil Lawsuit: We work closely with you to understand every way the assault has affected your life. Our goal is to work toward a resolution that fully reflects your experience and seeks the maximum compensation available.
- Speaking Up on Your Behalf: We handle all communication with Uber, insurance companies, and the courts, so you don’t have to face it alone.
While no amount of money can make amends for what you’ve been through, the law does offer a path toward accountability and support. A national study found that survivors who hired a personal injury lawyer received, on average, $77,600 in compensation, compared to just $17,600 for those who went without one.
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