How Survivors Have Described Their Experience
The impacts of rideshare sexual assault can show up in many ways, particularly when the person involved was a stranger behind the wheel, during a moment when you expected to be brought home safely.
Some people tell us they noticed something felt wrong during the ride. For others, it became harder to understand until hours or days later. In follow-up conversations, survivors have shared:
- Feeling frozen or unable to respond when the driver initiated contact;
- Doubting themselves, especially if alcohol or fatigue was involved;
- Going over the ride again and again, wondering if they misunderstood; and
- Worrying that they waited too long to say anything.
These reactions are common. None of them diminishes your experience. However you've responded and however long it's taken to search for support, a trauma-informed San Diego Uber sexual assault lawyer is here to help.
A Survivor's Words
"How Can I Ever Thank You..."
"You stood by me during the whole legal process, encouraging me to 'hang in there.' You did everything in your power to win this case for me. And you did. Thanks to your knowledge. You are great and helped me tremendously." — A.B., California.
When a Ride Turns Into Something Else
In San Diego, ridesharing is part of how people move through the day: trips to class, home from the airport, shared rides after weekend plans. As dependence on Uber has grown, so have concerns.
Survivors have reached out after harms that began during rides from:
- Downtown nightlife zones like the Gaslamp Quarter;
- Apartments and dorms surrounding UCSD, SDSU, and USD;
- Late-night airport pickups or hotel drop-offs;
- Large events like PRIDE, Comic-Con, or street fairs; and
- Beach areas in Pacific Beach, La Jolla, and Ocean Beach.
We've spoken with individuals who were assaulted inside the vehicle, immediately after exiting, or later by a driver who followed them. No two experiences look the same, and all of them are valid.
What happened to you matters. The fact that it was an Uber ride does not excuse it and does not shield the company from responsibility.
Whether you're ready to take legal action or want to understand your rights, we're here to talk. Your story will be heard. Your questions will be answered.
Call Levin Simes at (415) 426-3000 or request a confidential consultation online today. Serving survivors in San Diego and across Southern California.
Uber's Safety Gaps
Uber includes safety features in its rider app, such as location sharing, emergency contact options, and driver background checks. In many cases we've reviewed, those tools provided a sense of security, but failed to prevent harm.
In situations where survivors reached out to Uber with serious complaints, responses were often automated or limited in follow-through. Some drivers remained active despite previous misconduct reports on file.
When this kind of inaction leads to sexual assault, legal accountability becomes part of the path forward.
Filing a San Diego Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit: What It Can Address
If you were assaulted during or after a rideshare, you may have grounds to file a San Diego Uber sexual assault lawsuit against the driver, and in some cases against Uber for negligence. You don't need a police report or criminal charges to bring a claim.
Claims may include:
- Negligent hiring or re-hiring of dangerous drivers
- Failure to act after complaints
- Unsafe routing or app design that puts passengers at risk
- Lack of transparency or communication with other riders
Whether you file or not, simply talking with an Uber sexual assault lawyer in San Diego can help you understand your rights under California law.
What Survivors Have Chosen to Do
Each person comes to this decision differently. Some reach out in the weeks after the incident. Others wait months or years. What matters is having someone to speak with who understands why this step can feel difficult and deeply personal.
According to a national legal study, survivors of Uber and Lyft assaults who had legal representation were awarded over three times more compensation, on average, than those who filed on their own.
But an Uber rideshare assault claim isn't just about money. It's also about:
- Accessing counseling or mental health care,
- Covering lost time from work or school, and
- Finding closure or validation through accountability.
If a driver caused you harm, you deserve the tools and support to heal, and that can include legal representation that centers you.
"No one should have to question whether getting home safely is too much to expect. When an Uber driver crosses that line, survivors deserve answers, privacy, and respect every step of the way."
— Laurel L. Simes, Founding Attorney
Local Resources for Sexual Assault Support in San Diego
If you are looking for care, connection, or services tailored to healing, the following organizations can help at any stage:
UCSD CARE at SARC
Confidential guidance for students, staff, and faculty
care.ucsd.edu
YWCA San Diego—Becky's House
Shelter, advocacy, and emotional support services
ywcasandiego.org/help/services
RAINN (National Hotline)
1-800-656-HOPE
www.rainn.org
Free and confidential 24/7 support, including live chat
What to Expect When You Contact an Uber Sexual Assault Lawyer in San Diego
We know this isn't an easy step, and you may still be unsure whether it's the right time. Here's what you can expect when you contact our San Diego Uber sexual assault law firm:
- You don't have to revisit every detail if you're not ready,
- We can file under the name Jane Doe to protect your identity,
- We only move forward if and when you choose to.
At Levin Simes, our role is supportive and informed. Your consultation is private, free of charge, and focused on listening. We can speak by phone or message—whatever feels most comfortable to you.
.png)
.webp)
