Filing a Lawsuit if Sexually Assaulted by an Uber Driver in Florida

Uber has made getting around Florida faster and more convenient, from late nights in Miami to airport rides in Orlando and commutes in Tampa. But while Uber has changed transportation, it has also faced serious criticism over sexual assaults involving its drivers. Many passengers across the country have come forward with accounts of harassment, assault, or rape during rides that were supposed to be safe.

If you or a loved one was sexually assaulted during or after an Uber ride in Florida, you may be entitled to pursue justice through a civil lawsuit. The Law Offices of Jason Turchin can represent survivors across Florida in cases against Uber and negligent drivers. We can handle every case with confidentiality, compassion, and commitment to accountability.

The Scope of Uber Sexual Assault Claims

Uber’s own safety reports reveal the magnitude of the problem. According to Uber reports, there were many reports of sexual assaults on its platform between 2017 and 2019.

Victims have reported a range of incidents, including:

• Unwanted touching or groping during rides
• Drivers making sexual comments or advances
• Assaults after drop-off
• Intoxicated passengers being taken advantage of
• Kidnapping or false imprisonment during rides

Sadly, many survivors learned later that their drivers had prior complaints or criminal records that Uber overlooked.

Can You Sue Uber for Sexual Assault in Florida?

Yes, in many cases, survivors can bring a civil lawsuit against Uber, the driver, or both.

Although Uber claims its drivers are independent contractors, Florida law still allows victims to hold the company liable for negligence if its actions contributed to the assault.

Possible claims can include:

• Negligent hiring or retention – Uber failed to properly vet or remove a dangerous driver.
• Negligent supervision – Uber ignored warning signs or passenger complaints.
• Failure to warn – Uber misled passengers about the safety of its services.
• Negligent security – Uber failed to implement or maintain reasonable safety measures.
• Vicarious liability – The driver acted within the scope of their work for Uber.

Each case depends on the facts, but the central question is whether Uber could have prevented the assault through reasonable safety policies.

How to File a Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Uber in Florida

Filing a lawsuit after a traumatic event can feel overwhelming, but an attorney can guide you through every step confidentially and at your own pace.

1. Contact a Florida Uber Sexual Assault Lawyer

Start with a free and confidential consultation with an attorney experienced in rideshare assault cases. The Law Offices of Jason Turchin can handle these cases throughout Florida and can advise you on your legal options.

2. Preserve All Evidence

Save your ride receipt, driver name, communication records, and screenshots. Evidence may include text messages, app data, or ride maps that help establish what happened.

3. Obtain Medical and Psychological Care

Seek care immediately from a hospital such as Jackson Memorial Hospital, Tampa General Hospital, or Orlando Health. Medical documentation can be crucial for both your well-being and your claim.

4. File a Police Report

You can report the incident to the local police department or sheriff’s office where the assault occurred. An attorney can also help coordinate this while protecting your privacy.

5. Investigation and Data Collection

Your lawyer can request Uber’s driver data, including GPS routes, trip logs, and prior passenger complaints, to establish a pattern of negligence.

6. File the Civil Complaint

Once evidence is gathered, your attorney files a civil lawsuit in the appropriate Florida court, naming Uber, the driver, and other responsible parties.

What Damages Can You Recover in a Sexual Assault Lawsuit?

Victims of Uber-related sexual assaults may recover both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

• Medical treatment and hospital bills
• Therapy and psychological counseling
• Lost income or future earnings

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Punitive Damages

In cases involving reckless or intentional misconduct, a Florida court may award punitive damages to punish Uber and deter similar negligence.

How Florida Law Protects Survivors

In Florida, survivors of sexual assault have both criminal and civil options for justice:

• Criminal prosecution: The driver can be charged under Florida Statute §794 (Sexual Battery), which focuses on punishment.
• Civil lawsuit: The survivor can pursue financial compensation from Uber, the driver, or both.

Even if a criminal conviction doesn’t occur, survivors can still file a civil case. The burden of proof is lower in civil court in that you generally only need to show that Uber’s negligence more likely than not caused your harm.

Example: Florida Uber Assault Case

A young woman in Fort Lauderdale takes an Uber after a night out. During the ride, the driver makes sexual comments, deviated from the route, and assaults her. Afterward, it is discovered that the driver had been reported for harassment by previous riders but Uber did not remove him.

The survivor could file a civil lawsuit against Uber and the driver, alleging negligent hiring, supervision, and failure to protect passengers. The case can seek damages for emotional trauma, medical care, and therapy expenses.

Cases like this show that Uber’s lack of accountability can lead to preventable assaults and that survivors can take legal action to hold the company responsible.

How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit in Florida?

Florida law generally gives survivors two years from the date of the assault to file a civil lawsuit.

However, exceptions may apply, for example, if the survivor was a minor or if new evidence of Uber’s negligence emerges later. It’s best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.

Why Hire a Florida Uber Sexual Assault Lawyer

Uber sexual assault cases may require deep legal knowledge, sensitivity, and experience handling large corporate defendants. Uber often employs major law firms and insurers to defend these cases but survivors deserve strong advocates too.

The Law Offices of Jason Turchin can help by:

• Conducting a confidential consultation to discuss your situation.
• Preserving critical evidence before it disappears.
• Requesting Uber’s driver background and safety records.
• Coordinating with law enforcement and trauma professionals.
• Negotiating a fair settlement or taking your case to trial.
• Protecting your privacy and dignity throughout the process.

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis so you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I sue Uber if the driver was arrested or convicted?

Yes. Civil cases are separate from criminal prosecutions and focus on financial accountability and justice.

What if I didn’t report the assault immediately?

You can still pursue a case. Many survivors delay reporting due to fear or trauma and that does not prevent legal action.

Will my name or story be made public?

No. We can take steps to keep your identity confidential.

What if Uber offers me a quick settlement?

Do not sign or agree to anything before consulting an attorney. Early settlements often undervalue your case.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?

You owe nothing upfront. Our firm only gets paid fees and costs if we win compensation for you.

Where We Can Represent Survivors in Florida

The Law Offices of Jason Turchin can represent Uber sexual assault survivors throughout Florida, including:

• Miami
• Fort Lauderdale
• West Palm Beach
• Orlando
• Tampa
• Jacksonville
• Naples
• Tallahassee
• Gainesville

No matter where in Florida the assault occurred, we can help you pursue justice confidentially and compassionately.

Contact the Law Offices of Jason Turchin

If you were sexually assaulted during or after an Uber ride in Florida, you have rights. The Law Offices of Jason Turchin is here to help you file a claim, protect your privacy, and fight for justice.

📞 Call (800) 337-7755 or visit www.VictimAid.com to schedule your free and confidential consultation today.

You don’t have to face Uber’s lawyers alone. We can stand by you every step of the way.