On March 16, 2019, a young woman's trust in a popular rideshare service's safety promises was shattered when what should have been a responsible choice for a safe ride home turned into a horrific nightmare. After enjoying an evening with friends, she responsibly requested a ride through the service, which actively marketed its "door-to-door safety standards" and claimed that "Your safety drives us."
Taking the front passenger seat to accommodate her friends, the victim fell asleep during the journey. She awoke to find herself in an unfamiliar location with the driver assaulting her, her clothing disheveled, and her personal belongings—including an expensive watch and fifty dollars—stolen. This traumatic sexual battery and robbery revealed the devastating gap between the company's safety promises and reality.
The Law Office of Sean M. Wilson provided resources and unwavering support for the victim during this deeply traumatic time. Our South Carolina civil litigation lawyers conducted an extensive investigation that revealed alarming failures in the company's driver screening process and safety protocols.
The investigation uncovered that the driver had a criminal history that should have disqualified him from the platform. Despite marketing claims about rigorous safety standards, the rideshare company's negligent hiring practices had allowed a dangerous individual to gain access to vulnerable passengers.
Through persistent legal effort, we secured a settlement that provided our client with compensation and held the rideshare company accountable for its safety failures. While no amount of money can erase the trauma she endured, this resolution represented a step toward healing and helped ensure stronger safety measures to protect future passengers.
Legal Issues in Rideshare Sexual Assault Cases
Cases involving sexual assault by rideshare drivers involve multiple considerations.
Corporate Liability Factors
- Negligent hiring practices
- Inadequate background checks
- False safety representations
- Common carrier duties
- Failure to maintain safety standards
- Corporate supervision responsibilities
Victim Impact Assessment
- Physical trauma
- Emotional distress
- Property theft
- Ongoing psychological effects
- Trust violations
- Safety concerns
How Our South Carolina Sexual Assault Lawyers Can Help
Our dedicated legal team has extensive experience handling sensitive cases involving:
- Sexual assault
- Corporate negligence
- Transportation safety
- Negligent hiring
- False advertising claims
- Victim advocacy
If you've been a victim of assault or misconduct by a rideshare driver, contact us for a free consultation at our offices in Charleston or Columbia. We understand the deeply personal nature of these cases and have the experience and compassion to help you seek justice while protecting your privacy and dignity.