Ever worried about what the downside to using services like Uber or Lyft might be?
And while these services have transformed the way we get where we are going, they also have raised difficult questions about safety, accountability and justice — questions that most public and private institutions have scarcely begun to consider.
From accidents to sexual assaults, the cases illuminate experiences that thousands of riders and drivers have every year.
If you’re reading this, there is a reasonable possibility you have been affected — or know someone who has been — and/or you’re just curious about what happens when there’s trouble with your ride.
Let’s take a closer look, learn what’s going on and spill the numbers to figure out what it means for you.
What Are These Lawsuits About?
The lawsuits against Uber and Lyft usually fall into three broad categories: accidents, sexual assaults and safety violations. Here’s the breakdown:
- Crashes: Drivers who took passengers with them when they crashed.
- Sexual Assaults: Accusations of harassment or assault during rides.
- Safety Violations: Accusations that the companies did not develop a safe working environment for riders or drivers.
These cases frequently include allegations of personal injury (such as broken bones or whiplash), or emotional distress (things like P.T.S.D. or anxiety following an assault).
Others are part of broader legal battles known as multidistrict litigation (MDL), which consolidates similar cases for the sake of efficiency. For example, a large number of sexual assault claims against Uber and Lyft are currently being processed through MDLs.
Here’s the bottom line: If something, anything, bad happened during your ride — whether you were physically injured or sustained emotional trauma — you might have a case worth pursuing. And no, you do not have to do this alone. There is help available.
How Does the Process Work?
Let’s imagine you get something really awful happening to you when you are riding on Uber or Lyft.
Perhaps something went awry, or, let’s hope not, you didn’t feel safe the way your driver was driving. What do you do next?
Step 1: Get in Touch With a Personal Injury Lawyer
The first thing you need to do is contact an attorney who focuses on personal injury cases.
Some attorneys offer free consultations, like Morgan & Morgan, and others like Legal Claim Assistant can connect you with trusted attorneys in a snap. They will guide you through the whole process and will not fee you in advance.
Why it matters so much?
Because these lawsuits are not easy to navigate. Lawyers know the system through and through and will ensure that you’re not left holding the bag as big corporations try to cover their legal bases.
So, O.K., you’ve decided to do something. Now what? The process is easier than you would think. Here’s how it works:
Step 2: Enter Your Case Information
Begin by offering up the most pertinent details about what happened. This includes:
- When and where the incident took place.
- Any injuries sustained.
- Police logs, medical records, or other proof.
You typically have an option to provide this information online or by phone. Consider it like telling your story to someone who wants to fight for you.
Step 3: Apply for Eligibility Assessment
After your lawyer evaluates your situation, they’ll decide your eligibility for an independent lawsuit or to file your case as part of a larger MDL.
There are both advantages and disadvantages in each option, but your lawyer will counsel you to do what’s best in your case.
Step 4: No Upfront Costs On a Contingency Basis
One of the largest obstacles that people often encounter when contemplating legal action is cost.
But here’s some good news: Most personal injury cases operate on something known as a contingency basis.
That’s only if you win. In general, lawyers work for a percentage of what you win, so peace of mind up front cost a lot.
How Much Money Could You Get?
Now, here’s what everyone wants to know: How much might I get paid?
There’s no one-size-fits-all response here — it really depends on how bad your injuries are, how strong your evidence is and how the case comes out. But previous settlements offer some hints:
A $32.5 million fund was established in the McKnight v. Uber matter over claims the company misrepresented its “Safe Rides Fee” to customers. Specific individual payouts for each claimant varied based on circumstances.
In sexual assault cases, settlements have gone from $10,000 to more than $1 million. Considerations for these amounts involve levels of physical injury, emotional distress, and ongoing effects such as income loss or future therapy costs.
Speaking to an attorney is the only way to get a more realistic estimate for your specific circumstances.
