Pursuing Compensation for Inappropriate Touching by Rideshare Drivers in San Antonio

Available San Antonio rideshare apps such as Uber, Lyft, and the local Wridz claim to provide accessible, reliable transportation services. But hundreds of Uber assault survivors share a darker side of the story: these companies don’t do enough to protect their passengers from inappropriate conduct.

The San Antonio TX personal injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw fight for justice when a driver’s harmful actions violate your safety. Touching without consent can be a criminal offense, for example, and your lawyer demands compensation for physical injuries, financial strain, and emotional pain you experience as a result.

In San Antonio, state law mandates consequences for unwanted touching. The law also specifies the responsibilities of rideshare companies to protect passengers from this danger.

Inappropriate touching in an Uber / Lyft is defined by two basic factors:

• The touch is intentional.
• It occurs without your consent.

Under Texas law, indecent assault is a misdemeanor that describes groping and other forms of sexual contact. If the non-consensual touch involves penetration, the act constitutes the felony known as sexual assault.

According to Texas regulations for transportation network companies, rideshare companies must fulfill minimum requirements such as the following:

• Perform background checks.
• Provide passengers with digital identification for drivers through the app.
• Supply electronic receipts with key information about rides.

However, because the law considers drivers to be independent contractors, rideshare companies aren’t liable for many driver actions. Assault is one such act, unless it occurred because the company was negligent of its obligations.

A victim has the right to sue for rideshare sexual assault compensation. Moreover, a lawsuit can exist alongside a criminal case that seeks justice through punishment.

Within the current legal system, sexual assault attorneys in San Antonio, Texas must sue perpetrators directly. And yet, it can be difficult to collect adequate compensation if convicted drivers lack the necessary assets. In these cases, other avenues of seeking justice and financial support may be preferable.

Although many observers note the overwhelming lack of rideshare company accountability, suing a company is still possible. To do so, an attorney builds a case based on the concept of negligence, which may allege that Uber or Lyft:

• Relies on inferior background checks
• Delays the removal of dangerous drivers
• Fails to improve the platform’s safety despite understanding risks

As lawsuits against rideshare companies amass, reform becomes more likely. At the end of 2023, for instance, judges ruled that roughly 80 cases could be heard together in federal court.

It’s a misconception that sexual assault is always violent, and the impact can still be costly even if physical injuries are minimal. Consider the possible damages you might suffer:

• Medical expenses, including costs of mental health treatments
• Noneconomic damages, such as trauma
• Lost wages, if the assault resulted in unpaid time away or career languishing

In addition, a judge can award punitive damages to punish the defendant. You might also recover out-of-pocket expenses such as legal fees. However, we offer our services on a contingency-fee basis at Carabin Shaw so that you can receive high-quality legal support without anxieties about affordability.

San Antonio sexual assault lawyers are prepared for the nuances of inappropriate touching cases, in which there’s often no proof other than victim testimony. To learn more about your options in a free case review with San Antonio-based lawyers, call the toll-free number 800-862-1260.

Effective attorneys embody many of the qualities showcased in Carabin Shaw reviews, including a relationship-centered approach, strong problem-solving capabilities, and confidence in legal knowledge and strategy. Available 24/7 and proficient in both English and Spanish, our team dedicates our skills to serving your needs.

For more information:

• St. Mary's Law JournalSt. Mary's Law Journal
• NPR
• Texas Statutes