Thousands of cases of misconduct and sexual assault are reported to rideshare companies every year. In fact, Uber received more than 400,000 complaints just between 2017 and 2021. That’s one nearly every eight minutes. While people should feel safe using rideshare companies and their contracted drivers, that’s not everyone’s reality.
Many passengers have fallen victim to rideshare assault and are now deciding whether to take legal action. If you’re exploring your possibilities but are worried about how you’ll prove that your assault happened, take note of the helpful information below:
Preserve Evidence
As you’ll learn from law firms like Her Case Matters, the more evidence you have, the stronger your case can be. As a result, preserving evidence from when your rideshare assault happened is crucial.
As eager as you’ll be to shower, wash, or change your clothes after your assault, refrain from doing so. Instead, visit a hospital or clinic to treat your injuries and request a forensic exam, known as a rape kit. This kit helps preserve DNA and forensic evidence, which may be required in your legal case.
If you’re in a position to do so, document the scene and take photos of the vehicle, any injuries, and torn clothing. You should also write down important details, such as the vehicle make and model, the license plate, the driver’s name, the time and date your assault happened, and the route you were taking.
Gather Digital Evidence
It’s not just physical evidence that can prove helpful in a legal case against a rideshare company or driver. Digital evidence may also add weight. Take screenshots of everything related to your drive, including the ride receipt, in-app messages, and the driver profile.
With the help of your lawyer, you can also request data from the rideshare company, such as trip history, GPS data, and communication logs. If anyone saw the incident, don’t hesitate to get their names and contact information.
Report the Incident
As scary as it can be to report a sexual assault, it’s the first step toward reclaiming your power and holding the person responsible to account. Start by filing a police report with local law enforcement to create an official record of the incident. Next, report the assault to the rideshare company. Refrain from contacting the driver directly or having any further communication with them, even if they contact you.
Create a Strong Case
With an experienced lawyer by your side and robust evidence, you can now start putting together a strong case that will hopefully see the person responsible for your assault put behind bars.
In a criminal case, you’ll need proof beyond a reasonable doubt. If the case is a civil lawsuit, your evidence will need to show that a claim is more likely than not to have happened, which is referred to as ‘the preponderance of the evidence’ being the standard of proof.
After going through a traumatic sexual assault experience at the hands of your rideshare driver, it’s time to hold them accountable and get the closure you deserve. With the help of an experienced legal professional, you can gather evidence, report your incident, and build a strong case that can be brought to a successful conclusion.
