Uber has promised to handle sexual assault claims "in a way that is best for the survivor," but its lawyers are pursuing a far more aggressive strategy. Following a surge of allegations that Uber prioritized growth over safety, passengers accuse the company of failing to vet drivers and protect them from predators.

Founded in March 2009 by Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp, Uber launched in San Francisco in 2011. To accelerate growth, the company adopted rapid driver recruitment without thorough background checks. Within years, thousands of riders reported rapes, sexual assaults, and harassment, raising concerns that Uber’s insufficient screening put passengers at risk.

The company’s Safe Ride Fees began in 2014, yet many claim Uber still failed to implement in‑vehicle safety tech. Uber has removed its mandatory arbitration clause, allowing survivors to sue in court. Lawyers offer free, confidential consultations on contingency fees, and settlements have been pursued for rape, sexual assault, harassment, and other unwanted contact.

Recent updates show more than 3,900 lawsuits pending. In 2026, Judge Charles Breyer scheduled a bellwether trial for October, while earlier verdicts ranged from $5,000 to $8.5 million. The mixed outcomes keep the MDL in the spotlight as plaintiffs argue Uber’s negligence in passenger protection.