New York Post: Unsealed Court Documents Reveal Uber Receives a Sexual Misconduct Report Every 8 Minutes

Shocking Uber Data Reveals A Devastating Statistic

Recently unsealed court documents revealed a shocking statistic that Uber received a report of sexual misconduct every eight minutes over the last six years. The information, which was published by the New York Post, highlights the growing trend of sexual assault cases throughout the United States. Our firm takes Uber assault claims seriously and we aggressively pursue compensation and accountability on behalf of survivors who Uber has turned a blind eye toward for the sake of profits.

According to the unsealed court documents, Uber received over 400,000 reports of sexual assault or sexual misconduct between 2017 and 2022. These numbers are shocking, especially considering that Uber has only disclosed a little more than 12,000 to the public. This recent unsealing stemmed from a massive litigation against Uber filed by more than 2,300 survivors across the country. These survivors claim that Uber failed to screen drivers appropriately, ignored warning signs, and prioritized profits over passenger safety.

Egregious Flaws in Uber’s Driver Screening Process

As it stands, Uber only requires their drivers to be of age (depending on their city’s requirements), have at least one year of driving experience, an in-state driver’s license and a four-door vehicle. After signing up, drivers are required to complete an online screening that reviews driving record and criminal history. However, this is far from foolproof, considering Uber’s third-party screening service, Checkr uses automation for 99% of their background checks after data retrieval with human QA. Though Checkr offers customizable screening options, individuals who had their charges dismissed, records sealed, or who had accusations that never resulted in convictions may still pass the background check

In other words, individuals who have a history of criminal behavior may still be considered eligible to drive for Uber, exposing innocent victims to danger when all they’re trying to do is get home safely.

Bellwether Trials Set to Begin This Winter

Though the complaints filed were combined into a consolidated multidistrict litigation, each plaintiff is still required to prove their case. The first bellwether trials, which are designed to gauge the likely outcome of a case, are scheduled to begin in San Francisco federal court later this year. We will provide an update on this outcome once we know more.

Uber’s Response to Claims of Sexual Misconduct

Uber has denied the claims against them, chief among them that they hid this startling sexual assault data from the public. They are arguing that the reports from 2017-2022 were “minor, unaudited or false,” further claiming that the reported incidents totaled only about 0.006% of total trips.

Uber’s head of safety for the Americas, Hannah Nilles, told the New York Times that only 75% of the reports involved what she coined to be “less serious” incidents. These “less serious” incidents included flirting, use of explicit language, and drivers making inappropriate comments about a passenger’s appearance. At Drazin & Warshaw, we don’t consider these incidents to be minor. No one deserves to feel unsafe or spoken to with suggestive language while riding in an Uber. That kind of behavior is simply unacceptable.

Devastating Examples of Uber Sexual Assault Cases

Uber claims that reports of more serious cases are even rarer, totaling only about 0.00002% of total trips. However, even one sliver of that percentage is unacceptable. In December 2023, one woman was allegedly raped by her Uber driver. Uber’s system had reportedly sent three automated notifications during several suspicious stops during a ride that was meant to last 22 minutes but instead ended five hours later at a Motel 6. The Uber driver had been accused of misconduct twice before the alleged rape.

In another devastating case reported by the New York Post, Uber also documented cases where drivers had allegedly assaulted and taken advantage of inebriated passengers, with one forcing a passenger to perform oral sex.

Uber Ignored or Delayed Safety Recommendations and Risk Patterns

Uber’s data scientists were aware of these and, according to internal documents, made recommendations to Uber officials to increase their safety measures to include mandatory video recording and pairing up female passengers with same-sex drivers. Uber officials allegedly had a lax response to implementing these safety features, if at all, due to their prioritization of profits.

In 2018, the rideshare platform created the Safety Risk Assessed Dispatch, which was meant to anticipate 15% of sexual assaults in its basic ride service. Despite the implementation, internal documents from 2024 showed a significant flaw in the automation technology. Per an Uber official, eliminating what would be considered “high risk” trips, such as picking up passengers from a bar late at night, would lead to increased drunk driving. Unsurprisingly, internal research revealed that Uber was allegedly aware of clear patterns in sexual assault, which often included late night and weekend pickups near bars, as well male drivers who had poor ratings and complaints of sexual misconduct.

In a statement released in response to these claims, Uber stated that they have been “more transparent on the issue of sexual assault than any other corporation.”

Drazin & Warshaw’s Fight for Uber Assault Survivors

Drazin & Warshaw is leading the fight against Uber and their unsafe business practices that have put innocent passengers in harm’s way. Their fight toward evading accountability has, in part, led to the creation of UberHurtMe.com, the country’s leading Uber resource for individuals either harmed by sexual assault or personal injury. Justin Drazin, the lead attorney behind UberHurtMe.com saw firsthand how Uber responds to its victims. Their refusal to do the right thing and consistent prioritization over profits doesn’t go unnoticed. We aren’t afraid of them. And we won’t back down.

If you were the victim of a sexual assault while riding in an Uber, give Justin Drazin a call. He will investigate the details of your case and fight for justice, accountability, and compensation as you move forward on your journey of healing. Don’t wait. Let us fight Uber and their insurance carrier. Fill out our online contact form today.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.