Uber Technologies (Uber) is currently facing more than 2,500 lawsuits in federal court alleging that the company is liable for sexual assaults and sexual misconduct committed by Uber Drivers. The company is facing similar lawsuits in a consolidated proceeding in California state court as well. In these cases, former Uber passengers are seeking just compensation for the physical and mental health consequences of their reported sexual assaults, and the primary focus is on securing a settlement that fairly compensates all victims for their losses.
Uber sexual assault settlements in these cases would represent major milestones in the ongoing fight to ensure rideshare passenger safety. However, Uber’s legal team is vigorously disputing plaintiffs’ allegations that Uber failed to do what was necessary. For former Uber passengers who have been sexually assaulted or sexually harassed, taking legal action with the help of an experienced attorney is the first step toward mandating enhanced safety measures and holding Uber financially accountable.
“Uber sexual assault litigation remains ongoing in both state and federal court. While there are, of course, no guarantees, plaintiffs argue that there is strong evidence to suggest that Uber Technologies is liable for its drivers’ sexual misconduct. While it is likely that Uber sexual assault cases will still take time to resolve, there is reason to believe that settlement is a viable outcome for plaintiffs.” – Dr. Nick Oberheiden, Founding Attorney of Oberheiden P.C.
The Uber sexual assault multidistrict litigation (Uber MDL) in federal court and the consolidated Uber sexual assault lawsuits in California State Court remain ongoing. As a result, there have not yet been Uber sexual assault settlements in these cases. But, plaintiffs argue that there is strong evidence to hold Uber accountable for their sexual assaults, and to date Uber has not been able to get these rideshare sexual assault cases dismissed. As a result, settlement remains a possibility—and, as discussed below, the company has already settled one case outside of the Uber MDL and consolidated California State Court proceeding.
With this in mind, here is an overview of what victims who have been sexually assaulted by their Uber drivers need to know:
About the Uber Passenger Sexual Assault Litigation
Uber Technologies has been facing sexual assault lawsuits for years. As discussed in greater detail below, these lawsuits involve allegations that Uber drivers have sexually assaulted and committed other acts of sexual violence against passengers in extremely high numbers—and that Uber hasn’t done nearly enough to address the problem. As The New York Times reported earlier this year:
“Uber received a report of sexual assault or sexual misconduct in the United States almost every eight minutes on average between 2017 and 2022, sealed court records show, a level far more pervasive than what the company has disclosed.”
Thousands of former riders who claim that they experienced sexual assault at the hands of their Uber driver are now taking legal action. If their rideshare sexual assault claims are successful, we could potentially see substantial Uber sexual assault settlements in both state and federal court.
The California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) 2021 Settlement with Uber
We have seen one settlement in an Uber sexual assault lawsuit already. In 2021, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) announced a $9 million settlement with Uber Technologies in a lawsuit involving the company’s reporting of sexual assault and sexual harassment claims against Uber drivers. As stated in the CPUC’s announcement:
“Uber will pay $9 million to support safety initiatives directly promoting public interest in passenger safety, including . . . $5 million to the California Victims Compensation Board to be used for the victims of violence and sexual violence. . . .”
The settlement also earmarked $4 million for various initiatives to implement essential safety measures within the rideshare industry and help prevent future rideshare passengers from sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and sexual assault. Unfortunately, according to the thousands of Uber sexual assault lawsuits that followed, this wasn’t enough.
The Allegations Against Uber
The Uber sexual assault lawsuits filed to date generally focus on allegations that the company failed to do what was necessary to protect riders from sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and sexual assault. This includes allegations that the company ignored large numbers of sexual assault incidents involving Uber drivers for years. Some of the specific allegations in Uber sexual assault victims’ lawsuits include:
Uber Failed to Properly Screen Drivers
Uber sexual assault lawsuits allege that the company failed to properly screen drivers, putting rideshare passengers at risk when the company could—and should—have done more to protect them. This allegation strikes to the core of the pending Uber sexual assault claims, and is consistent with the broader theme that Uber is alleged to have prioritized its profits over its passengers’ safety.
Uber Failed to Implement Adequate Safety Measures
Along with allegations that Uber failed to properly screen driers, sexual assault lawsuits against the company also allege that it otherwise failed to implement adequate safety measures for passengers. This includes safety measures such as mandatory video recording and female passenger pairing with female Uber drivers to mitigate the risk of sexual assault.
Uber Ignored and Covered Up Sexual Assault Allegations
Uber sexual assault lawsuits also allege that the company ignored and covered up passengers’ reports of sexual assaults and other forms of sexual misconduct perpetrated by Uber drivers. Reports—including internal reports from Uber—indicate that the company has received thousands of reports per year. Yet, plaintiffs in sexual assault cases allege, Uber did not act on these reports with the urgency and level of effort they demanded.
Uber Breached its Rideshare Contract By Failing to Protect Passengers
Plaintiffs in the Uber sexual assault litigation also allege that the company breached its rideshare contract by failing to protect them. According to complaints, the company had a contractual obligation to implement passenger safety measures that were adequate to prevent sexual assaults by Uber drivers. Plaintiffs argue that Uber fell far short of meeting this obligation, entitling them to pursue legal action to seek compensation in state or federal court.
The Uber App and Uber Platform Are Defective
Lawsuits filed in the Uber sexual assault MDL and in state court also allege that the Uber app and Uber platform are defective. These are product liability claims based on allegations that the Uber app and Uber platform were not properly designed to protect passengers from sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and sexual assault. For former passengers who have grounds to file an Uber sexual assault lawsuit, including product liability claims provides an avenue to seek justice without proof of negligence.
The Current Status of the Uber Passenger Sexual Assault Multidistrict Litigation (Uber MDL)
One of the main settlement opportunities for passengers who have Uber driver sexual assault claims is to join the national multidistrict litigation against Uber Technologies (Uber MDL). This involves hiring a lawyer to sue Uber in the ongoing litigation proceeding being managed by District Judge Charles Breyer in federal court.
While not legally required, hiring an Uber sexual assault lawyer is the only practical option for navigating the complexities of the legal process in the Uber MDL. All rideshare sexual assault cases brought in the MDL are subject to stringent requirements. Experienced Uber sexual assault lawyers will be familiar with these requirements, and will be able to help ensure that victims of Uber driver sexual assault have the opportunity to pursue justice—whether through an out-of-court settlement or a verdict at trial.
As of August 1, 2025, there were 2,513 lawsuits pending in the Uber sexual assault MDL. The size of the litigation has grown rapidly since the first cases were consolidated before District Judge Charles Breyer in 2023. At this stage, we are still relatively early in the multidistrict litigation process. However, Judge Breyer is ensuring that the litigation continues to move forward, and as more plaintiffs who allege that they have been sexually assaulted by an Uber driver come forward, this will put additional pressure on Uber to consider a settlement.
Potential Settlement Amounts in Uber Driver Sexual Assault Cases
For victims who have experienced sexual assault perpetrated by an Uber driver, a settlement in the Uber MDL would provide the most efficient path forward. However, it is critical that victims do not agree to settle for less than they deserve. Sexual assaults can have life-altering effects, and failing to secure just compensation through legal action against Uber could leave victims facing lifelong consequences unnecessarily.
Recoverable Damages in an Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit
In sexual assault lawsuits alleging that Uber failed to properly screen drivers and otherwise take the necessary steps to protect passengers, potential damages include:
Medical Expenses
Non-consensual sexual penetration and other forms of sexual assault, sexual abuse, and inappropriate sexual contact perpetrated by Uber drivers can leave victims with severe physical trauma. Treatment for this physical trauma can prove incredibly expensive.
Mental Health Treatment Expenses
Any Uber sexual assault settlements would be expected to include compensation for victims’ mental health treatment expenses as well.
Other Out-of-Pocket Costs
Along with their treatment costs, Uber sexual assault victims are also seeking compensation for the other out-of-pocket costs they have incurred as a result of their victimization.
Loss of Income and Benefits
Victims who have suffered loss of income and benefits as a result of being sexually assaulted by an Uber driver are entitled to seek compensation for these losses as well.
Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Trauma
Victims of Uber sexual assaults are likely to experience severe pain, suffering, and emotional trauma. These are also losses that are expected to be included in any settlement that may result from the pending Uber sexual assault lawsuits.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Victims who have grounds to sue Uber for sexual assault can also seek just compensation for their loss of enjoyment of life. This is in addition to any other non-financial losses (i.e., loss of companionship or loss of consortium) that they may have experienced or may experience in the future.
Factors that Influence Potential Settlement Amounts
If a settlement is reached in the Uber sexual assault MDL or the consolidated Uber sexual assault litigation in California State Court, the amount of compensation offered to individual Uber sexual assault survivors may depend on various factors. These factors include (but are not limited to):
The Nature of the Sexual Assault Perpetrated By the Survivor’s Uber Driver
The nature of the sexual assault perpetrated by the survivor’s Uber driver is a pertinent factor. While all rideshare sexual assault cases are serious, cases involving claims filed by victims who were sexually harassed and those involving claims filed by victims of non-consensual sexual penetration differ in various ways.
The Severity of the Survivor’s Physical Trauma
The severity of a survivor’s physical trauma is a pertinent factor as well. Generally, the more severe the consequences of a sexual assault, the more the victim is entitled to seek when they sue Uber.
The Severity of the Survivor’s Mental Trauma
The severity of a survivor’s mental trauma is a pertinent factor when they sue Uber for their sexual assault at the hands of an Uber driver as well.
Whether the Allegations in Uber Lawsuits Warrant Punitive Damages
Survivors who file an Uber sexual assault lawsuit have the option of seeking to obtain punitive damages. If punitive damages are warranted, this could have a major impact on settlement negotiations.
The Number of Uber Lawsuits Filed (and Uber’s Total Liability Exposure)
Uber’s total liability exposure is a pertinent factor as well. This will ultimately be determined, in part, by the number of Uber sexual assault lawsuits that get filed.
Estimated Settlement Ranges in Uber Sexual Assault Cases
While every case is different, federal MDL and consolidated state court proceedings often involve “tiers” of cases when it comes to calculating individual plaintiffs’ settlements. If you have an Uber sexual assault case—and if you join the federal MDL or the consolidated state court proceeding in California—the following are estimates of the potential settlement you may be able to recover:
Tier 1 Uber Sexual Assault Cases
Tier 1 cases generally involve the most significant harm. If you have a Tier 1 Uber sexual assault case, current estimates put potential settlement values somewhere in the range of $300,000 to $1 million or more.
Tier 2 Uber Sexual Assault Cases
Tier 2 cases fall in the middle. If your Uber driver assaulted you but your losses are not as severe as those of some other victims, your case may fall into Tier 2 (if settlement tiers are established). Current estimates put potential Tier 2 settlement values somewhere in the range of $150,000 to $300,000.
Tier 3 Uber Sexual Assault Cases
Tier 3 cases involve the least severe forms of sexual assault, such as inappropriate sexual contact that is relatively minor in comparison to what other passengers have experienced. Current estimates put potential Tier 3 settlement values somewhere in the range of $50,000 to $150,000.
Again, these are just early estimates, and a settlement is not guaranteed. Ultimately, victims will need to consult with an experienced Uber sexual assault lawyer to find out how much they may be entitled to recover.
Evidence Needed to Pursue an Uber Sexual Assault Settlement
Successfully pursuing an Uber sexual assault lawsuit will require various forms of evidence. This includes multiple forms of evidence that victims will need to engage a law firm to secure on their behalf through the formal legal process. Some examples of potential evidence in these Uber lawsuits include:
- Evidence that Uber was aware of the need to protect passengers from sexual assault
- Evidence that Uber failed to adequately address the need to protect passengers from sexual assault
- Evidence that an Uber driver sexually assaulted the victim
- Evidence of the victim’s medical bills and other financial losses
- Evidence of the victim’s emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and other non-financial losses
Again, these are just examples. These are complex cases; and, to gather the evidence needed to sue Uber successfully, victims will need an experienced law firm on their side.
How to Seek a Settlement if You Are a Victim of Sexual Assault or Were Sexually Harassed By an Uber Driver
With all of this in mind, how can you seek a settlement if you are a victim of sexual assault or were sexually harassed by an Uber Driver?
The first step is to contact a law firm for a free consultation. A law firm that is actively handling these cases will be able to determine if you have grounds to file an Uber sexual assault lawsuit. If you do, your law firm will be able to take all necessary and appropriate legal action on your behalf—including seeking a settlement through the federal MDL or the consolidated California state court Uber sexual assault litigation if warranted.
FAQs: Uber Sexual Assault Claims and Potential Settlements
How Do I Seek an Uber Sexual Assault Settlement?
To seek a settlement, you will need to hire an experienced attorney to file an Uber sexual assault lawsuit on your behalf. This starts with scheduling a free consultation.
Do I Need a Law Firm to Seek an Uber Sexual Assault Settlement?
While you are not required to engage a law firm to sue Uber, this is the only practical option for seeking an Uber sexual assault settlement. These are complex cases that require experienced legal representation.
How Can an Uber Sexual Assault Lawyer Help Me?
If you are a victim of sexual assault or other sexual misconduct perpetrated by an Uber driver, there are many ways that an experienced Uber sexual assault lawyer will be able to help you. This includes, but is by no means limited to, determining if you have grounds to sue Uber and fighting to secure a fair settlement on your behalf.
How Much Will an Uber Sexual Assault Lawyer Charge?
Uber sexual assault lawyers are representing victims on a contingency-fee basis. This means that it costs nothing out-of-pocket to hire a lawyer to represent you.
What is the Uber Sexual Assault MDL (Uber MDL)?
The Uber sexual assault MDL is an ongoing federal litigation proceeding in which thousands of plaintiffs are pursuing claims against the company for sexual assaults allegedly perpetrated by Uber drivers. Plaintiffs are still joining the MDL; and, for many victims, joining the MDL will be the most efficient way to seek a settlement.
What Types of Sexual Assault Incidents Qualify?
All types of sexual assault incidents potentially qualify for the national Uber sexual assault litigation. If you were sexually assaulted in any manner by an Uber driver, it will be worth talking to an Uber sexual assault lawyer about your legal rights.
What Defenses is Uber’s Legal Team Asserting in Court?
Uber’s legal team is defending against plaintiffs’ sexual assault lawsuits by all means available. This includes asserting both substantive and procedural defenses under state and federal law.
Is There a Settlement Fund for Victims of Uber Sexual Assaults?
Pursuant to its 2021 settlement with Uber, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has established a $5 million settlement fund for sexual assault victims. However, it is not clear how much of the fund is remaining at this stage—and, in any case, $5 million is nowhere near enough to cover all reported victims’ losses. As a result, it is essential that victims who have been sexually assaulted by Uber drivers hire an experienced attorney to help them come forward.
Is There a Class Action Lawsuit Where Uber Passengers Can Seek Compensation for Sexual Assault?
No, there currently Is not an Uber class action lawsuit involving allegations of sexual assault committed against passengers. At present, all passenger sexual assault litigation against Uber Technologies is pending in either consolidated court proceedings or individual lawsuits.
Part of the reason why is that the allegations in these cases do not lend themselves well to class action litigation. If there were an Uber class action lawsuit, the class action lawsuit would not provide an opportunity for sexual assault victims to recover full compensation for their financial and non-financial harm—because that’s not how a class action lawsuit works. By pursuing claims individually or in the Uber sexual assault MDL, former passengers who have sexual assault claims can seek the full compensation they deserve.
