If you experienced a sexual assault in a rideshare, you have suffered something deeply personal. It can be disorienting and difficult, but you have rights that you can assert. Not only will there likely be criminal charges against the perpetrator, you also have potential rights to compensation against the perpetrator or the rideshare company itself.
At Edward O. Moody, P.A., our rideshare lawsuit attorneys help you after a sexual assault. We know how to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Focus First On Your Own Safety
Your safety is the first and most important thing. Call 911 right away once you can. Law enforcement in your area can respond to help keep you safe. An ambulance can come to help assist you with any injuries and get you to a hospital for help. Move to a safe location and get help from those in the public if you can.
Seek Medical Care as Soon as Possible
Getting medical attention is important for so many reasons after a rideshare sexual assault. The hospital utilizes sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs), also called SANE nurses. These trained professionals:
- Medical treatment for injuries
- Emergency contraception
- Testing and preventive medication for sexually transmitted infections
- A forensic exam (often called a “rape kit”) to collect evidence
You don’t have to immediately report the assault in order to get the forensic exam. You are allowed to get a free exam, even if you’re not sure about how to proceed. Preserving evidence now can make a big difference later, so it is better to get the examination so you have the evidence when you need it.
If you can, avoid:
- Showering
- Changing clothes
- Cleaning any area of your body
until you get the exam. If you already have, that’s OK too, but medical attention is critical to protecting your health.
Report the Assault When You Are Ready
Reporting the assault is a personal decision. Some survivors choose to report immediately, while others need time. In Arkansas, you can report the assault to:
- Local police or sheriff departments
- The Arkansas State Police
- University or campus police (if the assault occurred on campus)
If the rideshare driver committed the assault, you can also report it through the company’s safety portal. Lyft and Uber have teams that handle these kinds of cases, and they may even cooperate with law enforcement.
When you file a report, it creates an official record. This not only helps with a criminal case against the perpetrator, but can be important evidence in your civil claim for compensation.
Preserve Any Evidence You Have
In addition to the forensic exam, you may have other forms of evidence that can strengthen your case. Consider saving:
- Screenshots of your rideshare trip details
- Messages exchanged with the driver
- Receipts or ride confirmations
- Photos of injuries
- Clothing worn during the assault
- Notes about what happened, including time, location, and driver behavior
Do not delete your rideshare app or any related data. Evidence that seems minor now may become important later.
Understand Your Legal Options in Arkansas
Survivors of rideshare sexual assault may have multiple legal paths available:
Criminal Charges
Arkansas prosecutors can file criminal charges for sexual assault and other crimes against the person that did this to you. Penalties can be severe, protecting you and others from future assault.
Civil Lawsuits
You may be able to file a civil claim against the driver, the rideshare company, or both. Civil cases can pursue compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Therapy and counseling
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term emotional trauma
Rideshare companies have faced lawsuits nationwide for failing to screen drivers, ignoring safety complaints, or failing to protect passengers. An Arkansas attorney experienced in sexual assault and rideshare liability can evaluate whether the company may be responsible in your case.
Get Help After an Arkansas Rideshare Sexual Assault
Arkansas law provides you with many different protections. The right attorney can help you explore those options and fight for the compensation you are owed.
Let the dedicated rideshare lawsuit attorneys at Edward O. Moody, P.A. review your case. Contact us today for a consultation.