In a dramatic and concerning legal battle, a plaintiff has filed a lawsuit against a major transportation company, alleging serious misconduct by one of its drivers. The complaint was lodged by Jane Doe PWMW 002 in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, on November 12, 2024, targeting Uber Technologies, Inc., Rasier, LLC, and unnamed defendants.
The case centers around an incident that occurred on November 15, 2022, when Jane Doe claims she was sexually assaulted by an Uber driver during a ride she had booked through the company's app. According to the lawsuit, Uber has been aware since at least 2014 that some of its drivers have engaged in sexual misconduct with passengers but has failed to implement adequate safety measures to protect users. The plaintiff's attorneys argue that despite numerous complaints and criminal investigations over the years, Uber has not made substantial changes to its policies or app settings to enhance passenger safety. They assert that "Uber's failure to create better safety standards" directly contributed to the plaintiff's traumatic experience.
The lawsuit accuses Uber of several legal violations including general negligence, negligent hiring and supervision of drivers, common carrier negligence under California law, and vicarious liability for the torts committed by its drivers. Additionally, it alleges intentional misrepresentation by Uber regarding the safety of its services and negligent infliction of emotional distress on the plaintiff. The plaintiff seeks damages exceeding $25,000 for economic losses such as medical expenses and lost wages as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Furthermore, punitive damages are sought to punish Uber for prioritizing profits over passenger safety.
Representing Jane Doe PWMW 002 are attorneys Rachel B. Abrams from Peiffer Wolf Carr Kane Conway & Wise LLP and Layne C. Hilton from Meyer Wilson Co., LPA. The case is presided over by Judge Austin Lam under Case ID CGC-24-619715.