In a significant legal move, a group of plaintiffs has filed a lawsuit against a major transportation company, alleging severe misconduct by its drivers. The complaint was lodged by Kimberly Wise and others in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, on January 16, 2025, targeting Uber Technologies, Inc., Rasier, LLC, and unnamed defendants. The case highlights ongoing concerns about passenger safety within ridesharing services.
The plaintiffs allege that they were victims of false imprisonment and sexual assault by an Uber driver during rides arranged through the company's app. According to the complaint, Uber has been aware since at least 2014 that some of its drivers have engaged in such criminal behavior but has failed to implement adequate safety measures or improve hiring practices to protect passengers. "Uber has refused to make improvements to their hiring procedures or implement software updates that could deter Uber’s drivers from sexually assaulting riders," the complaint states.
The lawsuit details multiple incidents where plaintiffs claim they were sexually assaulted by Uber drivers between 2021 and 2024. These include allegations of rape and inappropriate touching during rides. For instance, plaintiff Kimberly Wise recounts an incident on May 1, 2023, where her driver exposed himself and masturbated during the trip. Similarly, Taylor Ducote alleges she experienced a similar assault on March 11, 2023. The complaint asserts that these traumatic events have caused lasting psychological harm to the victims.
The plaintiffs accuse Uber of several legal violations including general negligence, negligent hiring and supervision, vicarious liability for the torts committed by its drivers including sexual assault and battery, intentional misrepresentation regarding the safety of its services, negligent infliction of emotional distress, breach of contract, and strict product liability due to design defects in their app which allegedly fails to ensure user safety.
In seeking justice from the court, the plaintiffs demand compensatory damages exceeding $25,000 each for economic losses such as medical expenses and lost wages as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering. They also seek punitive damages aimed at deterring similar conduct in the future alongside interest on any awarded amounts.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys Rachel B. Abrams and Adam B. Wolf from Peiffer Wolf Carr Kane Conway & Wise LLP. The case is presided over under Case No. CGC-25-621493 with Sahar Enayati serving as Deputy Clerk at filing.