How to File a Claim if Sexually Assaulted by a Lyft Driver

Rideshare services like Lyft make it easy to get around from quick errands to late-night rides home. But for some passengers, a simple trip has turned into a traumatic and life-changing experience. Across the United States, thousands of people have reported sexual assaults committed by Lyft drivers, leading to lawsuits, investigations, and widespread outrage over rideshare safety.

If you were sexually assaulted during or after a Lyft ride, you may have the right to file a civil claim or lawsuit against Lyft and the driver. The process can feel intimidating, but taking the right steps early on can help protect your rights, preserve critical evidence, and increase your chances of securing justice and compensation.

At the Law Offices of Jason Turchin, we can help survivors navigate this process with compassion, confidentiality, and dedication. Here’s what you should know about filing a claim against Lyft after a sexual assault in Florida, like in Miami, Palm Beach, or Orlando.

Understanding a Sexual Assault Claim Against Lyft

When someone files a sexual assault claim against Lyft, it’s usually a civil action, not a criminal prosecution.

A criminal case is filed by the government to punish the attacker. A civil claim, on the other hand, is filed by the survivor to hold Lyft and the driver accountable for their negligence and to seek financial compensation for the harm caused.

A civil claim can:

• Seek damages for medical expenses, therapy, and emotional distress
• Hold Lyft responsible for failing to protect passengers
• Help push for corporate accountability and safety reforms

Even if the driver is arrested or convicted, you can still file a separate civil claim.

Can You File a Claim Against Lyft for Sexual Assault?

Yes, in many cases, Lyft can be held liable for the assault if its negligence played a role. Lyft has a duty to use reasonable care to ensure passenger safety. When the company fails to do so, and that failure results in harm, it may be held legally responsible.

Some of the most common claims against Lyft include:

• Negligent hiring or background checks – allowing unsafe drivers to work.
• Negligent supervision or retention – ignoring prior passenger complaints.
• Negligent security – failing to adopt measures that could prevent assaults.
• Failure to warn – not alerting passengers about safety risks or prior driver misconduct.
• Misrepresentation – marketing Lyft rides as safe despite known dangers.

Civil claims like these are designed to compensate survivors and hold Lyft accountable for systemic safety failures.

Steps to Take if You Were Sexually Assaulted in a Lyft

After a traumatic assault, your safety and well-being come first. Once you are in a safe place, you can begin taking steps to protect your legal rights.

1. Get to Safety

Find a secure location and call 911 if you are in immediate danger.

2. Seek Medical Attention

Go to a nearby hospital or urgent care center for a medical examination. Even if you have no visible injuries, medical documentation can serve as important evidence later.

3. Report the Assault

File a report with local law enforcement. You may also report it through the Lyft app, though it’s often best to consult a lawyer first to ensure your report protects your interests.

4. Preserve All Evidence

Keep the following items safe:

• Lyft ride receipts and trip details
• Screenshots of driver information and route
• Text messages or in-app communications
• Witness contact information (if applicable)

5. Contact a Lyft Sexual Assault Lawyer

An attorney can advise you on your options, protect your privacy, and begin the process of collecting and preserving key evidence from Lyft before it disappears.

Filing a Claim: Step-by-Step

Every Lyft assault case is unique, but most follow a similar legal process.

Step 1: Initial Consultation

A lawyer will review your case confidentially and help determine whether you can pursue a claim against Lyft, the driver, or both.

Step 2: Investigation

Your legal team may gather:

• Lyft’s internal driver data
• GPS tracking records
• Background check results
• Prior passenger complaints
• Safety report documentation

This evidence helps show whether Lyft could have prevented the assault through proper screening or monitoring.

Step 3: Filing a Formal Claim or Lawsuit

Once enough evidence is collected, your lawyer can file a civil complaint in court naming Lyft, the driver, and potentially other responsible parties.

Step 4: Negotiation or Litigation

Many cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, where Lyft agrees to pay compensation. If no fair agreement is reached, the case may proceed to trial.

Throughout the process, your attorney will work to protect your identity, manage communications with Lyft’s lawyers, and ensure you don’t have to face unnecessary trauma.

What Compensation Can Survivors Recover?

Survivors of Lyft sexual assaults may be entitled to several forms of compensation, including:

Economic Damages

• Medical bills (emergency care, testing, ongoing treatment)
• Therapy and psychological counseling
• Lost income or reduced ability to work

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Trauma-related conditions, such as PTSD or anxiety

Punitive Damages

In severe cases involving corporate recklessness or cover-ups, punitive damages may be awarded to punish Lyft and prevent future negligence.

Why Survivors File Civil Claims Against Lyft

Filing a claim serves multiple purposes:

• Accountability: It can force Lyft to take responsibility for its safety failures.
• Justice: Survivors can hold corporations legally and financially accountable.
• Prevention: Successful lawsuits can pressure companies to improve safety policies.
• Empowerment: Taking legal action can help survivors regain control after trauma.

At the Law Offices of Jason Turchin, we believe survivors deserve to be heard, believed, and supported; not silenced.

Why Hire an Experienced Lyft Sexual Assault Lawyer

Lyft has vast resources and legal teams designed to defend against these cases. Survivors deserve advocates who understand both the legal process and the emotional impact of sexual assault.

Our team can help by:

• Conducting a confidential consultation to discuss your story.
• Preserving Lyft’s GPS and driver records before deletion.
• Coordinating with law enforcement and trauma specialists.
• Filing and litigating your claim from start to finish.
• Handling communication with Lyft and its insurers.
• Protecting your privacy throughout the entire process.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover fees or costs for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What if the driver was arrested or convicted?

You can still file a civil claim against Lyft. Civil cases focus on financial accountability and can proceed regardless of criminal charges.

What if I didn’t report the assault right away?

Many survivors delay reporting due to fear, shock, or shame. You can still pursue a claim even if time has passed.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Most states, including Florida, have a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury or assault-related civil cases, but timelines can vary. Speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Will my name or story be made public?

No. We take strict measures to protect your identity and ensure confidentiality.

What if Lyft offers me a settlement?

Do not sign anything before speaking with a lawyer. Lyft’s early settlements often undervalue survivors’ claims.

Taking the Next Step Toward Justice

If you were sexually assaulted during or after a Lyft ride, you deserve to know your rights and you don’t have to face Lyft’s lawyers alone.

At the Law Offices of Jason Turchin, our team provides compassionate, confidential support to help survivors hold negligent companies accountable and rebuild their lives.

📞 Call (800) 337-7755 or visit www.VictimAid.com today for a free and confidential consultation.

We can listen to your story, explain your legal options, and fight to help you move forward with strength and dignity.