What Are Real Lyft Sexual Assault Survivor Stories? (Trigger Warning)
In a Community Safety Report, Lyft stated that it received more than 4,000 reports of sexual assault in just two years in connection with its platform. The following are accounts of various incidents reported by survivors and represented by Levin Simes:
- Alison Turkos was kidnapped at gunpoint by her Lyft driver and driven across state lines to an isolated park. There she was subjected to a brutal gang rape by the Lyft driver and two other men who cheered each other on and high-fived each other as they took turns raping Ms. Turkos. Levin Simes filed her case on September 17, 2019. The FBI is also investigating this case.
- One woman, a resident of Louisiana, told NPR’s All Things Considered that after spending an evening with a friend in New Orleans, she was raped and sodomized by her Lyft driver. Levin Simes filed her case in August 2019.
- Another woman ordered a Lyft after a night out in San Diego. The driver walked her to her door, made his way into her home, and raped her. Levin Simes filed her case in August 2019.
- One woman was sexually assaulted and battered by her driver, who then returned to her residence and broke in. She remains debilitated by the effects of her assault. Levin Simes filed her case on September 17, 2019.
- Another woman was attacked by a driver who signed up for Lyft using a stolen ID. Lyft failed to recognize the problem and allowed the driver to use the network and assault his passenger. Levin Simes filed her case on September 17, 2019.
Both Lyft and Uber’s negligent hiring practices and insufficient background checks on drivers have created easy opportunities for sexual and/or physical assault on passengers. Our team of lawyers will protect the identity of any individual who has experienced harassment or assault. We will also vigorously advocate to secure just compensation for the trauma endured.
Podcast: KCRW
Levin Simes partner Laurel Simes appeared on KCRW’s Press Play with Madeleine Brand to discuss recent lawsuits her firm has filed against Lyft for rideshare sexual assaults. Levin Simes brought these initial lawsuits on behalf of seven female riders who had been sexually harassed, assaulted, or raped by poorly vetted Lyft drivers.
Madeleine and Laurel discuss assaults in the filed “Jane Doe” cases, and the history of rideshare and how these companies vet new drivers. They also cover how Lyft is liable for the actions of their drivers in failing to provide a safe ride to passengers.
What Does a Lyft Sexual Assault Attorney Do for Your Case?
Here are some of the ways a Lyft sexual assault attorney can help with your case:
- Gather evidence: Your attorney can work to gather evidence, such as witness statements, police reports, and medical records, that can support your case and help to establish liability on the part of the perpetrator.
- Build a strong case: With the evidence collected, your attorney can use their legal expertise to build a strong case that supports your claim for compensation. We can also represent you in court and negotiate with Lyft's legal team to obtain a fair settlement.
- Protect your rights and privacy: Your attorney can ensure that your legal rights are protected throughout the legal process. We can also help you navigate any legal challenges that may arise, such as objections to evidence or defamatory arguments made by the opposing party.
Additionally, a Lyft sexual assault attorney can provide a critical buffer between you and the distressing memories of the assault you survived. Securing justice should not retraumatize you — our lawyers can help demystify the legal process, and work to protect your reputation throughout the process.
We can also interact with opposing counsel or the attacker on your behalf. This helps spare our clients the feelings of fear, dread, or rage that can be caused by any avoidable confrontations.
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