The Recovery Process for Survivors of Uber and Lyft Sexual Assault in Austin

In recent years, there has been a growing concern regarding the safety of riders who use ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. Unsurprisingly, sexual assaults are becoming increasingly common, causing immense physical and emotional pain for the survivors.

In Austin, the tragic incidents highlight the need for proper guidance during the recovery process. According to an article by KVUE, in 2019, Uber released a safety report revealing that over 3,000 recorded assaults occurred during rides on the service in 2018, including 235 rapes. These numbers pose a tragic reality for many women and men who depend on rideshare services for transportation.

Survivors of Uber and Lyft sexual assaults in Austin must be made aware of their rights and the resources available to them. No victim is alone. An experienced personal injury attorney can help them navigate the difficult process of recovering from their traumatic experience.

After experiencing a sexual assault within an Uber or Lyft vehicle, it is imperative that the victim prioritize their mental and physical health. The National Sexual Assault Hotline and other organizations that specialize in the therapy and recovery of victims are available 24/7. The hotline is free and can be reached at 800-656-4673.

Austin also provides local rideshare assault survivor support through organizations like SAFE, which helps assault victims regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, or immigration status.

As difficult as it may be, preserving evidence is an essential step after experiencing any assault. Understandably, this may be challenging for victims who are in a vulnerable state; however, collecting and documenting major details of the incident, such as photos or videos of injuries, is extremely important.

Equally important is the reporting of the assault to the proper authorities (the Austin Police Department) as well as to Uber or Lyft. If you plan to hire an Austin rideshare assault lawyer, the attorney will more than likely request a copy of the police report or any other supporting documentation.

You can report the assault to Uber on their website, and for Lyft, you can file a report by logging into your account on the respective app.

Sexual assault is not a crime taken lightly in Texas. It is a crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Not only can the perpetrator be charged with a felony, but the victim can also sue the perpetrator and the rideshare company for the damages they have suffered.

A personal injury lawyer can help victims recover damages as well as provide support and guidance throughout the legal process. Our firm of top attorneys at Carabin Shaw Law Firm will hold all parties accountable for their actions and fight for justice on your behalf.

A legal specialist in Austin can assist you in a number of ways to obtain compensation for damages following a rideshare assault. A personal injury specialist can do the following:

• Investigate the assault
• Calculate the amount of damages and file a lawsuit
• Negotiate with insurance companies

It is undeniable that the rideshare industry has played a pivotal role in connecting people across geographic boundaries, but this has also brought with it a number of pitfalls, sexual assault being one of them.

Victims of this terrible crime should never feel hopeless or alone. Although the recovery process may be long and painful, it is important to remember that there are people who can help you through this difficult time.

Carabin Shaw's client reviews paint a vivid picture of the professional and compassionate legal advocacy our team provides. Call 800-862-1260 toll-free to schedule a free consultation. Our staff is fluent in both English and Spanish and available 24/7.

For more information:

• KVUE
• Safe Austin
• Uber