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When rides meant to bring you home safe turn into scenes of trauma, accountability matters. The Regan Zambri Long’s Washington, DC Uber sexual assault lawyers combine nearly 200 years of experience with a deep commitment to protecting survivors and pursuing justice. Our board-certified attorneys understand how devastating these incidents can be and stand ready to hold drivers and rideshare companies responsible for the harm they cause.
Our firm’s six partners are all ranked among the nation’s top 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers, and our record and reputation is built on results. We front all case costs and retain expert witnesses who reconstruct events, verify driver histories, and document the full extent of emotional and physical trauma. Their insight strengthens every claim, helping us demand the maximum compensation for survivors while ensuring no detail goes overlooked.
Have you been assaulted in an Uber or other rideshare vehicle? We’re here to help. Contact Regan Zambri Long today, and one of our award-winning attorneys will call you back personally. We have over 100 5 star reviews, and we’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There’s no fee unless we win your case.
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In 2019, NPR reported that Uber had nearly 6,000 sexual assault claims in just a two-year span from 2017 to 2018. Lyft followed closely behind, with almost 1,800 sexual assault claims in 2019 alone. Since then, company data and independent investigations have revealed that the issue is far more widespread than those early figures suggested. According to a 2025 New York Times report, Uber received a report of sexual assault or sexual misconduct in the United States almost every eight minutes between 2017 and 2022, amounting to more than 400,000 reports over that five-year period.
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Uber does not dispute these numbers. The company has stated that between 2017 and 2022, it received roughly 400,000 reports of sexual assault or misconduct from 6.3 billion trips, representing about 0.006% of all rides. What differs is how these reports are categorized. Of these, the company publicly classified 12,522 as serious incidents, including rape and attempted rape, while 97% involved lesser forms of misconduct such as unwanted touching, verbal harassment, or invasive personal behavior. Uber also reports that serious assault cases fell by 44% during that period.
If you are the victim of sexual assault by an Uber driver, you have rights to justice and rights to compensation.
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The Uber sexual assault attorneys at Regan Zambri Long have a history of showing enormous compassion for their clients in the office and fighting fiercely for their rights in the courtroom. The lawyers will make your voice heard and make sure you receive the maximum compensation for medical expenses, mental anguish, and pain and suffering.
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With more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements achieved over the last 30 years, our award-winning firm has been trusted by clients across Washington, DC for its results and integrity. All our attorneys are listed among Best Lawyers’ top personal injury lawyers in the District, with three partners having been named as Lawyer of the Year. Partners Salvatore Zambri, Paul Cornoni, and Patrick Regan are ranked among Washington’s Top 100 Super Lawyers, with Sal Zambri earning placement in the Top 10.
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Four of our partners are past presidents of the District of Columbia Trial Lawyers Association, where partner Jacqueline Colclough now serves on the Board of Governors and partner Christopher Regan co-chairs the New Lawyers Division.
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Chris helped shape local precedent on Uber and Lyft liability through a leading case involving driver negligence. That experience informs our understanding of how rideshare companies operate, the legal standards that govern them, and how to hold them accountable when passengers are harmed.
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Jackie brings a rare blend of medical and legal insight to our work with survivors. As a former obstetrical and neonatal nurse, she understands trauma, medical documentation, and the long-term physical and emotional effects of injury. Her clinical background ensures every case is handled with compassion, precision, and respect for the survivor’s experience.
You do not have to go through this journey alone. Contact the caring lawyers at Regan Zambri Long today for a free consultation and take the first step in reclaiming your life after suffering sexual assault.
Sexual assault is any nonconsensual sexual act, including situations where the victim lacks the capacity to consent. It is an act of violence, anger, and power over another and it can happen to anyone.
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According to the Metropolitan Police Department, only 28% of sexual assault victims report the crime. Some do not report because of a personal matter, fear of reprisal, or fear of police bias. We know how scary it can be to come forward after being assaulted, but by doing so, you have a better chance of seeing justice served in your case.
If you’ve experienced any of the following by an Uber driver, then you have been sexually assaulted:
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If you experienced anything on the list above while in a rideshare vehicle, contact an Uber sexual assault lawyer at Regan Zambri Long immediately for a free case evaluation.
Sexual assault can only occur when the assaulter has the ability to take advantage of someone else. Rideshare services, unfortunately, offer prime opportunities for that to occur. Many times, the abuser has the victim alone and in an environment where he or she is incredibly vulnerable.
Several problems have been with Uber’s hiring practices. When hiring Uber drivers, Uber does not meet with the candidate in person, or interview them before adding them to the roster. Some argue that an interview would provide additional screening into the driver’s background.
Uber drivers do have to go through a background check. However, the check only goes back seven years, as opposed to background checks for taxi medallions, which goes all the way back to when the driver was 18. One of the main concerns is that the background checks do not include fingerprinting. Uber refuses to implement fingerprint background checks because of the cost to the company. However, criminal experts contend that fingerprinting is the most sturdy background check available and would make it easier for the rideshare companies to spot applicants who lie about their names and other personal information.
By using an app like Uber, passengers are inherently putting their trust into their rideshare driver, much like we put trust into medical workers, pilots, and other service workers. Passengers assume their drivers have been properly vetted and trained. It is up to rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft to make sure their passengers are correct in that assumption.
Being sexually assaulted is shocking. It can be difficult for the victim to remember what to do in that situation. There are steps to take if an Uber sexual assault takes place to ensure that you are safe and that justice can be served to the criminal who sexually assaulted you. If you are ever in a situation where you are sexually assaulted by an Uber driver in Washington DC, be sure to take the following steps:
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This is the single most important thing you can do is to ensure your safety. Try to reach a safe location, preferably with other people around. If possible, get yourself to a hospital. The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program at Washington Hospital Center ensures that the victim will be in a private room for examination, will not wait more than one hour to be seen, and will be attended to by an expert in sexual assault.
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If you cannot get yourself to a hospital, call 911. The responding police officers will be able to coordinate getting the correct medical attention and get you to a hospital. The officer will also begin to assess and investigate the situation. He or she will document the situation, including a statement and details regarding the assault.
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Though the most important thing is the medical attention and your safety, calling the police will also help in your sexual assault case. Reporting the incident as closely to the incident actually occurring will help you remember more details. It will help the police apprehend the criminal and help you when you file a sexual assault claim against Uber or Lyft.
If a friend or family member can escort you to the hospital, allow them. The DC Rape Crisis Center has individuals who can help you following a sexual assault.
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Any details regarding the assault will be greatly helpful in an investigation to find the perpetrator. It will also help your claim. It can be hard for sexual assault victims to remember the details because of the trauma they just suffered. Be kind and compassionate to yourself, and try to take down notes as soon as possible so you don’t have to put yourself through the trauma at a later time.
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Once you have sought help and your medical needs have been addressed, contact an experienced sexual assault lawyer as soon as possible. The lawyers at Regan Zambri Long understand they can’t take away the terrible crime committed against you. However, they will work tirelessly to ensure you can have some consolation that justice was served in your case.
What is the difference between a criminal and a civil case?
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Civil sexual assault cases are handled by the accuser (in an Uber and Lyft sexual assault claim, the victim of the assault would be the accuser) and their attorney. In these cases, the accuser, with their lawyer’s guidance, decides everything: how much to ask for in damages, what evidence is used, etc. The outcome of a civil case will determine whether the defendant (in Uber and Lyft sexual assault cases, the defendant would be Uber or Lyft) should be held responsible for the damages.
In civil sexual assault cases where you are making a claim against ridesharing companies, you would not be suing for sexual assault. Instead, you would charge the company with negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, etc. If the judge or jury finds the defendant liable, then the party or parties must pay the damages asked for, including legal fees, compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, mental anguish, and emotional distress.
Criminal sexual assault cases are different. These cases are brought to the court by the state, rather than the victim of the crime. In criminal cases, the defendant is the person who actually committed the sexual assault crimes. You, as the victim, would only be brought in as a witness against the defendant. The result of criminal sexual assault trials, if the defendant is found guilty, can include jail time or probation.
You lawyer will be able to answer any questions regarding the claims process, including what kind of suit will be filed. Your lawyer will determine the best strategy to secure the maximum financial compensation and hold both the driver and the driver’s company responsible for the heinous crimes committed against you.
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Speak to a Regan Zambri Long Uber sexual assault lawyer today to begin the process of a civil lawsuit against Uber or Lyft for negligence, and against the Uber or Lyft driver for committing the crime.
There are several ways men and women can protect themselves from criminal Uber drivers. Consider the following safety tips next time you request a ride:
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A: According to the Council of the District of Columbia, there are no limitations for filing a criminal suit in sexual assault cases. However, civil cases may be different in the District. Contact a Regan Zambri Long personal injury attorney to discuss the best way forward in your case against Uber or Lyft. Your lawyer will make sure all claims are filed correctly and in a timely manner.
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A: Uber made changes to its app to include safety features, such as the emergency button. It also partners with different organizations to protect customers, especially women, against sexual abuse. Take some time to read through what Uber is doing and be sure to follow all the safety guidelines before riding.
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A: Yes, there are several outlets in Washington DC to help victims of sexual assault:
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Filing a claim against large ridesharing companies can be extremely intimidating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Call a Regan Zambri Long Uber Sexual Assault lawyer for a confidential consultation regarding your case and begin the claims process with a legal advocate by your side.
Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.