In a harrowing case that underscores ongoing concerns about passenger safety in rideshare services, a lawsuit has been filed against a major transportation company and its subsidiary, alleging multiple instances of negligence and misconduct. The complaint was filed by John Doe PWMW 001 on October 21, 2024, in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, targeting Uber Technologies, Inc., Rasier, LLC, and unnamed defendants.
The plaintiff's allegations paint a disturbing picture of events that transpired during an Uber ride on October 22, 2022. According to the complaint, the plaintiff was sexually assaulted by an Uber driver after being subjected to inappropriate questions and unwanted advances. The lawsuit accuses Uber of failing to implement adequate safety measures despite being aware of similar incidents since at least 2014. "Uber has refused to make improvements to their hiring procedures or implement software updates that could deter Uber’s drivers from sexually assaulting riders," states the complaint.
The legal filing outlines several causes of action against Uber and its subsidiary Rasier, LLC. These include general negligence, negligent hiring and supervision, common carrier negligence, negligent failure to warn passengers about potential risks, vicarious liability for sexual assault and battery committed by its drivers, intentional misrepresentation regarding safety claims made by the company, negligent infliction of emotional distress, breach of contract for failing to provide safe transportation as promised in their service agreement with users like the plaintiff.
John Doe PWMW 001 seeks compensatory damages exceeding $25,000 for economic losses such as medical expenses and lost wages alongside non-economic damages like pain and suffering due to psychological trauma inflicted during this ordeal. Additionally sought are punitive damages aimed at punishing Uber's alleged reckless disregard for passenger safety while prioritizing profits over implementing effective safeguards against sexual predators within their driver network.
Representing John Doe PWMW 001 are attorneys Rachel B. Abrams and Adam B. Wolf from Peiffer Wolf Carr Kane Conway & Wise LLP based in San Francisco along with Layne C. Hilton from Meyer Wilson Co., LPA located in New Orleans. The case is presided over by Judge Austin Lam under Case ID CGC-24-619149.