A new lawsuit has been filed against a major ride-sharing company, alleging severe negligence and misconduct that led to the sexual assault of a passenger. The complaint was lodged by Jane Doe PWP 068 in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, on October 17, 2024, targeting Lyft, Inc. as the defendant.
The case centers around allegations that Lyft has long been aware of sexual assaults committed by its drivers but has failed to take adequate steps to prevent such incidents. According to the plaintiff's attorneys from Peiffer Wolf Carr Kane Conway & Wise, LLP and Pulaski Kherkher, PLLC., the ride-sharing giant is accused of multiple counts including general negligence, negligent hiring and supervision, common carrier negligence, and breach of contract. The plaintiff claims that despite numerous complaints and legal actions against Lyft for similar issues since 2015, the company continues to prioritize profits over passenger safety. The complaint states that "LYFT has failed to adopt and implement reasonable driver monitoring procedures designed to protect the safety of its passengers," leading to ongoing assaults.
Jane Doe PWP 068 recounts a harrowing experience where she was allegedly assaulted by a Lyft driver in Tukwila, Washington on December 2, 2022. She describes how the driver made inappropriate advances before physically assaulting her during what was supposed to be a routine ride home. The plaintiff asserts that this traumatic event has caused lasting psychological harm and accuses Lyft of failing in its duty to provide safe transportation.
The lawsuit highlights several areas where Lyft purportedly falls short in ensuring passenger safety: inadequate background checks on drivers, lack of real-time monitoring during rides, and insufficient response mechanisms for handling complaints about driver misconduct. It argues that these deficiencies are part of a broader pattern where "LYFT’s priority is not passenger safety" but rather increasing its driver base for higher profits.
In terms of relief sought from the court, Jane Doe PWP 068 is asking for general damages for pain and suffering as well as special damages covering medical expenses and loss of earnings. Additionally, she seeks punitive damages aimed at penalizing Lyft for what she describes as reckless disregard for passenger safety. The lawsuit also demands changes in Lyft's operational policies to better protect future passengers from similar harm.
Representing Jane Doe PWP 068 are attorneys Rachel B. Abrams and Adam B. Wolf from Peiffer Wolf Carr Kane Conway & Wise LLP along with Adam K. Pulaski and D. Douglas Grubbs from Pulaski Kherkher PLLC. The case is filed under Case ID CGC-24-619052 with jurisdiction established in San Francisco due to Lyft's principal place of business being located there.