A sexual assault while utilizing Uber or Lyft can be highly traumatic. You expected a simple ride to your next destination, and had a life-altering experience instead. You have the right to hold the perpetrator and anyone that contributed to the attack responsible for what you’ve been through. Taking the right steps after an assault can preserve evidence you need to protect yourself and your rights to compensation.
At Edward O. Moody, P.A., our rideshare assault attorneys in Texas help you fight back. Seek the monetary damages you’re owed after an Uber or Lyft sexual assault.
Ensure Your Immediate Safety
The most important thing of course is that you are safe. Following an assault, you should move to a safe location as quickly as you can. Often this means:
- Getting to a public or secure location
- Calling 911
- Contacting a trusted friend of family member
- Speaking with law enforcement
- Getting medical attention right away
Texas law enforcement agencies take rideshare-related assaults seriously, and officers can respond quickly to ensure your protection.
If you are unable to call 911, consider using the emergency features built into the Uber or Lyft app. Both platforms allow riders to contact emergency services directly from the app interface.
Seek Medical Care as Soon as Possible
Getting medical care is critical. A sexual assault can have serious health ramifications. A Texas hospital can also provide you a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE nurse) that can provide:
- Medical treatment for injuries
- Emergency contraception
- STI testing and preventive medication
- A forensic exam (often called a “rape kit”)
Under Texas law, you can receive a forensic exam without being required to file a police report. Evidence collected during the exam can be stored while you decide how to move forward.
Report the Assault to Law Enforcement
Reporting the assault to police can help protect others and may be necessary for criminal charges. When you contact law enforcement:
- Provide as much detail as you can remember
- Share the driver’s name, vehicle information, and trip details
- Preserve your rideshare receipt and trip history
- Avoid deleting the app or any messages
Preserve Evidence from the Uber or Lyft App
Digital evidence is often crucial in a rideshare assault case. Before anything is deleted or altered, take steps to preserve:
- Trip receipts and ride history
- Messages exchanged with the driver
- Screenshots of the driver’s profile
- GPS route information
- Payment records
- Any photos, videos, or audio recordings
Report the Incident to Uber or Lyft
Both Uber and Lyft use internal safety teams. They investigate any reports of driver misconduct. If the driver was the attacker, it is essential to ensure they don’t continue to work for these companies and hurt others. However, it is best to have any detailed conversations in the presence of your attorney, as representatives may ask questions that are meant to limit their own liability.
If possible, speak with a Texas rideshare assault attorney before giving a detailed statement to the company.
Reach Out to a Texas Rideshare Sexual Assault Attorney
A Texas rideshare assault attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation through a civil claim.
An attorney can help by:
- Preserving and obtaining digital evidence from Uber, Lyft, and third-party apps
- Identifying all potentially liable parties, including the driver and the rideshare company
- Coordinating with law enforcement and victim-advocacy organizations
- Documenting your physical, emotional, and financial damages
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Filing a lawsuit if necessary
Get the Help You Deserve After an Uber or Lyft Sexual Assault
You don’t have to handle this all by yourself. An experienced rideshare assault attorney is here in Texas and ready to help.
Let the dedicated attorneys at Edward O. Moody, P.A. review your case. Contact us today for a consultation.