Call 911 if an Uber driver in California has sexually assaulted you. Treat your injuries and report the incident to the police and Uber. If possible, take photos of your injuries and gather evidence to support your sexual assault claim. Speak with a sexual abuse lawyer within days of the incident to review your legal options.
Seek professional counseling after a California Uber driver has sexually assaulted you if you feel it would benefit you to do so. Find support groups if you feel talking with other sexual assault survivors could help you recover from this traumatic experience.
In addition, listen to what a California adult sexual abuse lawyer has to say about taking legal action against your perpetrator. Consider the short- and long-term implications for you and other sexual assault survivors if you submit a claim for compensation. If you feel safe and supported, file a claim from the Uber driver or their rideshare company.
What Will Happen If You Take Legal Action Against an Uber Driver Who Sexually Assaulted You?
The Uber driver can face criminal penalties for their actions. For example, per California Penal Code § 261, a person can receive a fine of up to $10,000, prison sentence of up to eight years, or both if they are convicted of rape. If a rape victim is under 18, a perpetrator can be sentenced to up to 11 years in prison. In a situation where the rape victim is under 14, the maximum prison sentence for a conviction is 13 years.
A sexual assault conviction can trigger a lifetime sex offender registration requirement. Based on California’s registration laws, those convicted of a sex crime must register as a sex offender with a local law enforcement agency. They must update their registry information annually. This information is publicly accessible.
You could receive compensatory damages from an Uber driver as part of a personal injury lawsuit. It is possible to file a lawsuit against this individual even if they are not convicted of sexual assault.
According to CA Civ Pro Code § 340.16, adult sexual abuse victims have 10 years from the date of a perpetrator’s actions to file a case. Or, they can submit their case within three years of the date of discovery of an injury or illness relating to a perpetrator’s actions.
Uber can be held responsible for losses you incur due to its drivers. For example, Uber conducts background checks of its drivers. If the driver who sexually assaulted you had a criminal record, you could recover damages from the rideshare company.
You Are Not Alone as You Deal with the Aftermath of Being Sexually Assaulted by an Uber Driver in California
Seek justice against the driver who sexually assaulted you. Doing so is incredibly difficult, but help is available. Family members and friends look out for you and your best interests. Meanwhile, other sexual assault survivors can provide guidance and support. You can also work with a lawyer who is empathetic and compassionate to your needs.
A sexual assault lawsuit can give you the peace of mind that the Uber driver who harmed you, their rideshare company, or both are being held liable for their actions. It may compel other sexual assault survivors to come forward, share their stories, and pursue justice and damages from those who harmed them.