If you or someone you love was sexually assaulted during an Uber/Lyft ride in New Jersey, you may have the right to pursue legal action against both the driver and, in some cases, the rideshare company itself. These cases involve complex questions of corporate liability, insurance coverage, and survivor protections—and they deserve to be handled with care and legal precision.
At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, our New Jersey rideshare sexual assault attorneys are experienced in representing survivors of rideshare-related assaults. We help clients understand their legal rights and pursue justice under New Jersey law. Call (973) 364-8300 or contact us securely for a free, confidential consultation.
Can I Sue Uber or Lyft After a Sexual Assault?
Yes. If you were sexually assaulted during a ride, you may be able to pursue a lawsuit against both the driver and the rideshare company. Uber and Lyft may be held liable in New Jersey courts if they:
- Failed to conduct proper background checks
- Ignored previous complaints or warning signs
- Delayed suspending or banning a known offender
- Negligently failed to ensure passenger safety
These companies owe their passengers a duty of care. When that duty is breached, legal action may be warranted. Learn more aboutrideshare liability in New Jersey.
What to Expect in a New Jersey Rideshare Sexual Assault Lawsuit
Understanding the legal process can help you take the next step with confidence. Here’s what typically happens after contacting a New Jersey rideshare sexual assault lawyer:
- Confidential consultation – Your story is heard with care and legal clarity. We explain your rights and options under New Jersey law.
- Evidence review and case building – We gather trip data, app logs, police reports, and past driver complaints to support your case.
- Filing your claim – A lawsuit is filed before the statute of limitations expires, which is generally two years from the incident.
- Settlement or litigation – We negotiate with all responsible parties and prepare your case for trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
You are never required to speak publicly or take steps you are not comfortable with. The legal process is centered on your safety and control.
Why Uber/Lyft Often Fail to Protect Riders
While rideshare companies advertise rider safety, reports and lawsuits have uncovered repeated lapses. These include:
- Insufficient background checks and driver screening
- Delayed or inadequate responses to misconduct reports
- Arbitration clauses that limit a rider’s ability to sue
- Lack of built-in app safety features or tracking oversight
In many cases, companies had prior notice of concerning behavior and failed to take action. Our team investigates these failures and holds all responsible parties accountable.
Legal Rights of Sexual Assault Survivors in New Jersey
Under New Jersey law, survivors of sexual assault in rideshare incidents may:
- File a civil claim against the driver and potentially Uber or Lyft
- Seek compensation for emotional, physical, and financial harm
- Request confidentiality or anonymity during legal proceedings
- Pursue punitive damages in cases of corporate negligence
Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers is committed to upholding your rights while protecting your dignity and privacy throughout the process.
Insurance Coverage in Rideshare Assault Lawsuits
Uber and Lyft maintain $1 million insurance policies when drivers are actively logged into the platform or transporting passengers. However, accessing this coverage requires legal action. Companies may attempt to deny responsibility by classifying drivers as independent contractors or disputing the trip’s status. We work to uncover the full picture and ensure all potential coverage is pursued.
Civil vs. Criminal Action
A criminal prosecution is handled by the state and focuses on punishing the attacker. A civil lawsuit, filed by the survivor, seeks compensation for harm caused. You can pursue a civil lawsuit even if criminal charges were never filed or the driver was not convicted. Civil claims require a lower burden of proof and give survivors more control over the process.
Compensation Available for Survivors
Every case is unique, but survivors may be eligible to recover compensation for:
- Medical treatment and therapy
- Emotional trauma and mental health care
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Relocation or protective measures
- Punitive damages in certain cases
We work to ensure your recovery reflects the full impact of what you’ve experienced.
Why Choose Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers?
Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers provides legal strength combined with compassion and discretion. Our firm is trusted throughout New Jersey for:
- Decades of experience with complex civil cases
- Multi-million-dollar recoveries on behalf of victims
- Direct attorney communication and transparency
- Recognition from Super Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers, and more
We fight for accountability and dignity, not just results. Survivors of sexual assault deserve attorneys who listen, understand, and take action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remain anonymous during a rideshare sexual assault lawsuit in NJ?
Yes. In some cases, courts allow survivors to file using initials or a pseudonym to protect their privacy.
Is it enough to report the assault through the Uber/Lyft app?
No. In-app reporting does not replace the need to report to police or seek legal counsel. A legal claim must be filed separately.
Do I need to go to court?
Not always. Many cases settle confidentially. However, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial to protect your best interests.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Generally, the statute of limitations is two years in New Jersey, but this can be extended depending on your age or the impact of trauma.
What if the driver was not criminally convicted?
A criminal conviction is not required to file a civil lawsuit. The civil system uses a different standard of proof.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft after a sexual assault?
Yes. Depending on the facts, you may sue the driver and pursue claims against Uber or Lyft if their policies or negligence contributed to your harm.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
If you were harmed in an Uber or Lyft vehicle in New Jersey, our legal team can help. We offer confidential consultations and will fight to hold all responsible parties accountable while protecting your privacy. Call (973) 364-8300 or contact us to schedule a consultation.
Written by: Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers Last Updated : July 16, 2025We are the trial attorneys with the experience and knowledge to get you the results you deserve. At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, we take time to get to know you, as well as your case. We are committed to excellence. It is important for our team to understand your fears, concerns and expectations. We are always available to answer any questions, and are willing to come to you if you are unable to come to us.
Contact Your New Jersey Personal Injury Attorneys
