A shocking lawsuit has been filed against a major ridesharing company, alleging severe misconduct by its drivers. The complaint was filed by multiple plaintiffs under the pseudonyms "Jane Doe PWCH 01" through "Jane Doe PWCH 07" in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, on October 7, 2024. The defendants named in the case are Uber Technologies, Inc., Rasier, LLC, and unnamed individuals referred to as Does 1-50.
The plaintiffs allege that they were victims of false imprisonment and sexual assault by Uber drivers during their rides. They claim that Uber has been aware of such incidents since at least 2014 but failed to take adequate measures to prevent them. According to the complaint, "Uber knew and had reason to know that Uber drivers were sexually assaulting and raping passengers." Despite this knowledge, the plaintiffs argue that Uber did not implement necessary safety measures or improve hiring practices to protect its passengers.
The lawsuit accuses Uber of several legal violations including general negligence, negligent hiring and supervision, common carrier negligence, vicarious liability for sexual assault and battery, intentional misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation, negligent infliction of emotional distress, breach of contract, and strict product liability due to design defects and failure to warn. The plaintiffs assert that Uber's marketing falsely assured customers of safe rides while failing to disclose the risks associated with using their service.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory damages for both economic losses such as medical expenses and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Additionally, they are pursuing punitive damages aimed at punishing Uber for prioritizing profits over passenger safety. The complaint also demands changes in Uber's policies to ensure safer transportation services in the future.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys Rachel B. Abrams and Adam B. Wolf from Peiffer Wolf Carr Kane Conway & Wise LLP based in San Francisco. Andrea Hirsch from Cohen Hirsch LP is listed as pro hac vice counsel pending approval. The case is identified under Case No. CGC-24-618771 with Judge Austin Lam presiding over the proceedings.