A Growing Crisis
By Attorney M. Catelyn Viggiano
Keating Law Offices, P.C.
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have transformed how people get around Chicago and the rest of Illinois. But beneath the convenience is a disturbing reality: Uber’s ongoing sexual assault problem.
The New York Times reported that Uber receives an average of one sexual assault report every eight minutes nationwide, amounting to hundreds of thousands of incidents. While Uber emphasizes that such cases are statistically rare compared to total rides, the impact on survivors is devastating and life-altering. Too often, Uber has prioritized growth over safety—leaving riders vulnerable to preventable harm.
Illinois Cases & Legal Battles
Illinois is not immune to this crisis. In DuPage County, an Uber driver was convicted of sexually abusing a passenger in Elmhurst. In Chicago, individuals posing as Uber or Lyft drivers have targeted riders leaving bars and nightclubs late at night.
Beyond these local cases, thousands of lawsuits against Uber are now consolidated in a federal multidistrict litigation. Courts across the country are considering whether Uber failed to implement safety features that might have protected riders from these assaults.
Why It Matters in Illinois Courts
Illinois courts have held that rideshare companies are common carriers, a legal classification that carries the highest duty of care toward passengers. That duty goes beyond safe driving—it requires protecting riders from foreseeable assaults, abuse, and misconduct.
This recognition is critical for survivors of sexual assault in rideshare vehicles. It means victims may pursue claims directly against Uber or Lyft, not just against individual drivers. Legal claims may include:
- Negligent hiring and retention
- Negligent supervision
- Negligent training
- Product safety failures
Keating Law Offices’ Commitment
At Keating Law Offices, we believe no rider should face sexual violence in a rideshare vehicle. As a Chicago personal injury law firm focused on transportation-related accidents and injuries, our attorneys are dedicated to holding Uber accountable, reforming Illinois law, and giving survivors of sexual assault a strong voice in court.
If you or someone you know has been harmed in an Uber or Lyft ride in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois, we are here to listen, investigate, and fight for your rights.
