A California woman has filed a lawsuit against a major ride-sharing company, alleging that the company failed to protect her and other passengers from sexual assault by its drivers. The complaint was filed by Jane Doe PWP 071 in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, on October 25, 2024, against Lyft, Inc.
The lawsuit details disturbing allegations that Lyft has been aware since at least 2015 that some of its drivers have been sexually assaulting female passengers. Despite this knowledge, the plaintiff claims that Lyft has not taken adequate steps to prevent such incidents. "For five years, LYFT has known of the ongoing sexual assaults and rapes by LYFT drivers upon LYFT passengers," states the complaint. It accuses Lyft of failing to conduct thorough background checks on its drivers and not implementing reasonable monitoring procedures to ensure passenger safety.
Jane Doe PWP 071 recounts her own harrowing experience with a Lyft driver who allegedly assaulted her during a ride in Santa Monica on November 23, 2021. The complaint describes how the driver asked for a hug as thanks for a tip and then proceeded to kiss her neck and grab her breast without consent. This incident left the plaintiff feeling violated and fearful, contributing to ongoing anxiety and distress.
The lawsuit includes multiple causes of action against Lyft, including general negligence, negligent hiring and supervision, vicarious liability for sexual assault and battery, intentional misrepresentation regarding safety claims, and breach of contract. The plaintiff argues that Lyft's business model prioritizes profits over passenger safety by rapidly onboarding new drivers without proper vetting or training. She further alleges that Lyft misleads customers into believing they are safe when using its services while knowing about previous assaults committed by its drivers.
In seeking justice through this legal action, Jane Doe PWP 071 is asking for compensatory damages exceeding $25,000 as well as punitive damages aimed at deterring future misconduct by Lyft. She also demands changes in Lyft's policies to enhance passenger safety through stricter background checks and better monitoring systems.
Representing Jane Doe PWP 071 are attorneys Rachel B. Abrams and Adam B. Wolf from Peiffer Wolf Carr Kane Conway & Wise LLP along with Adam K. Pulaski from Pulaski Kherkher PLLC. The case is identified under Case No. CGC-24-619247 in the Superior Court of California with Judge Austin Lam overseeing proceedings.