Rideshare assault lawyers standing up for Ohio Uber and Lyft assault victims.

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Get Experienced Legal Help After an Assault During an Uber or Lyft Ride in Columbus

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft should be a safe and convenient way to get where you need to go. Unfortunately, these companies don’t always put the well-being of their users first, sometimes with violent consequences. When rideshare drivers assault their customers, innocent people are left with serious injuries, lingering emotional trauma, and a range of other debilitating consequences. Not only is this wrong, but those responsible should have to pay the price.

If you were assaulted during a rideshare trip in Columbus, you have the legal right to take action against the person or company responsible and pursue compensation. The experienced rideshare assault attorneys at Ross, Midian & Breitmayer, LLC, can lead you through this process and advocate aggressively for your best interests as they fight for the accountability you deserve. Contact us today to learn more.

Serious Injuries from a Rideshare Assault

Rideshare assault injuries arise when a driver, passenger, or third party harms someone during a rideshare trip. The most common forms of rideshare assault include:

Kidnapping or unlawful confinement

These situations often occur in the confined space of a passenger vehicle, which can make the experience intensely traumatizing. Many victims feel overwhelmed and unsure what to do next. Our attorneys offer clear guidance and steady support during this difficult time.

Addressing the reality of rideshare sexual assault

Ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft offer convenience, but unfortunately, there have been a number of alarming reports of sexual assault by rideshare drivers. Disturbing statistics highlight the prevalence of sexual assault during rideshare trips.

Rideshare Company Most Recent Reported Data
Uber 2,717 reports of the five most serious categories of sexual assault during 2021–2022.
Lyft 2,651 reports of the five most serious categories of sexual assault during 2020–2022.

These figures are based on the most recent publicly available U.S. safety reports published by Uber and Lyft. Other transportation platforms generally do not publish comparable sexual assault reporting data.

The safety and well-being of passengers should never be compromised, and our mission is to help survivors navigate the aftermath of such incidents and reclaim their lives.

Common Injuries in Columbus Rideshare Assault Claims

Rideshare assaults often cause both visible and hidden injuries. Many victims deal with long-term consequences that can affect every aspect of daily life.
Physical Injuries Emotional and Psychological Injuries
Bruises and cuts Anxiety and panic attacks
Soft tissue injuries Depression
Broken bones Sleep disturbances
Head injuries or concussions Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Neck and back injuries Other lasting emotional trauma related to the assault

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Columbus Rideshare Assault Claim?

Who may be liable in rideshare injury cases depends on the nature of the incident. Depending on the circumstances, several parties may share the blame. Our lawyers will carefully investigate what happened to identify all potential avenues for accountability and fair compensation, which could include:

  • The Rideshare Driver: A driver who commits assault is the person most directly responsible for their actions, regardless of any other factors. Ohio law allows survivors to pursue a personal injury claim against the perpetrators of assault.
  • The Rideshare Company (Uber or Lyft): Rideshare companies classify their drivers as independent contractors in order to avoid taking direct responsibility for their behavior. However, this defense might not work if they failed to properly screen the driver or ignored prior complaints.
  • Third Parties: Fellow passengers can also commit assault, which would make these third parties responsible for the consequences. The rideshare company might also be to blame if its drivers had previously flagged a customer as a safety risk but did not remove them from their user base.

Our law firm leaves no stone unturned when identifying every potential source of compensation for your assault and then assessing which policies apply.

What to Do After a Rideshare Assault

The moments after a rideshare assault can understandably feel overwhelming. However, there are certain proactive steps you can take to protect yourself and your right to compensation. Consider doing as many of the following as possible:

  • Contact Law Enforcement: Report the incident to the police right away. The responding officer can help you receive emergency medical care if you need it, and they will also create an official report of the incident that plays a major role in both criminal and civil proceedings.
  • Seek Prompt Medical Attention: See a doctor right away to protect your health and create clear documentation of any injuries related to the incident. Tell your treating physician about what happened.
  • Report the Incident to the Rideshare Company: Use the app or customer support system to file a complaint. Be careful what you say, though, and don’t agree to anything until you’ve had a chance to speak to a lawyer.
  • Preserve Any Evidence You Can: Save ride receipts, screenshots, messages, and any photos you took of your injuries. Write down everything you remember about the incident as soon as possible. Memories can fade quickly, and your notes may help establish a clear timeline later.
  • Don’t Speak to Rideshare or Insurance Representatives Alone: These companies use various tactics to minimize payouts. They may ask leading questions or request recorded statements that can hurt your case. Don’t speak to them without first speaking to a lawyer.
  • Contact an Attorney: The sooner you contact an experienced Columbus rideshare assault law firm, the stronger your case can be. Don’t hesitate to call a lawyer as soon as you’re able.

Compensation Available in Ohio Rideshare Assault Cases

A rideshare assault can cause lasting physical, emotional, and financial harm. Ohio law allows you to hold the responsible party accountable and recover compensation for that harm, including:

Type of CompensationWhat It May Cover
Medical ExpensesEmergency services, hospital stays, doctor’s appointments, medications, medical devices, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and future medical costs related to your injuries.
Lost IncomeHourly wages or salary, missed raises or promotions, commissions and tips, sick days, vacation time, medical benefits, and reduced earning capacity.
Property DamageThe cost of repairing or replacing any personal property damaged during the assault.
Pain and SufferingCompensation for the physical pain and mental anguish caused by the responsible party.
Emotional DistressCompensation for the emotional and psychological trauma caused by the incident, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms.

How Long Do I Have to Pursue a Rideshare Assault Case in Ohio?

Ohio law sets strict deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the assault to take legal action. If you miss this deadline, courts will likely throw out your case, and you will permanently lose your right to recover compensation.

Don’t let this happen to you. Instead, get in touch with an experienced rideshare assault injury lawyer in Columbus right away.

How an Experienced Attorney Can Help

Rideshare assault cases often prove both emotionally challenging and technically complex. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through the process alone. A skilled attorney with Ross, Midian & Breitmayer, LLC, can help you by:

  • Reviewing your case free of charge
  • Investigating the incident and gathering key evidence
  • Obtaining rideshare data and driver records
  • Reviewing company policies
  • Calculating the full value of your claim
  • Communicating with the rideshare company and its insurance department for you
  • Negotiating aggressively for a fair settlement
  • Representing you in court, if necessary

Our law firm understands that this represents far more than a legal matter to you. We offer not only skilled legal guidance and relentless advocacy, but also compassion and critical support when you need it most. Let us support you during this challenging time, and at no out-of-pocket cost to you.

Contact a Columbus Rideshare Assault Attorney Today

You don’t need to face the aftermath of a rideshare assault injury alone. The dedicated personal injury lawyers at Ross, Midian & Breitmayer, LLC, will investigate the incident to uncover the truth and identify everyone you could hold accountable for what happened. Contact us today for your free consultation with a rideshare assault lawyer in Columbus, OH, and let’s seek justice together.