In a dramatic legal confrontation, a group of plaintiffs have filed a lawsuit against a major ridesharing company, alleging severe misconduct by its drivers. The complaint was lodged by the plaintiffs on February 11, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, targeting Uber Technologies, Inc., and its subsidiary Rasier, LLC. The plaintiffs accuse the company of negligence and failing to protect passengers from sexual assault by its drivers.
The lawsuit involves four individuals identified as Jane Doe PW 051, Jane Doe PW 052, Jane Doe PW 053, and John Doe PW 054. They claim they were victims of sexual assault during rides arranged through Uber's app. The complaint outlines a history of alleged negligence by Uber in addressing safety concerns despite being aware since at least 2014 that some drivers were sexually assaulting 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," states the complaint.
The plaintiffs argue that Uber's representation as a safe transportation option is misleading. They allege that Uber failed to implement adequate safety measures or warn passengers about potential risks associated with using their service. The lawsuit highlights multiple causes of action including general negligence, negligent hiring and supervision, common carrier negligence, and vicarious liability for the torts committed by its drivers.
Seeking justice for their ordeal, the plaintiffs demand compensation for both economic and non-economic damages exceeding $25,000 each. They also seek punitive damages aimed at punishing Uber for prioritizing profits over passenger safety. "Such conduct justifies an award of punitive or exemplary damages in an amount sufficient to punish Defendants’ conduct," the document asserts.
Represented by attorneys Rachel B. Abrams and Adam B. Wolf from Peiffer Wolf Carr Kane Conway & Wise LLP, the plaintiffs are determined to hold Uber accountable for what they describe as systemic failures in ensuring passenger safety. The case is presided over under Case No. CGC-25-622270 in the Superior Court of California.