Proposed California Law Could Limit Justice for Rideshare Assault Victims

For many Californians, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are part of everyday life. Behind that convenience, however, lies a disturbing reality: sealed court records obtained by The New York Times show that between 2017 and 2022, Uber received a report of sexual assault or misconduct approximately every eight minutes. These figures are far higher than the company’s previously disclosed 12,522 serious assault incidents over the same period, highlighting a much broader scope of risk.

California’s strong legal protections for rideshare sexual assault survivors could soon be weakened under proposed legislation. Senate Bill 371 (SB 371), now under review in the state legislature, would significantly reduce the insurance coverage rideshare companies are required to carry for passengers.

The bill proposes lowering coverage from the current $1 million per passenger to as little as $100,000–$300,000 per incident. For survivors of rideshare sexual assault, these limits could drastically reduce the funds available to cover medical bills, therapy, lost wages, and other damages.

Advocates warn that if SB 371 passes, victims filing claims after the law takes effect could be subject to the new limits. That makes it critical for survivors to seek legal advice and take action now, before any legislative changes are enacted.

How California Law Protects Survivors of Rideshare Sexual Assault Currently

California stands out for offering survivors more legal tools than most states when it comes to rideshare sexual assault cases. These protections include:

Extended Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault

California Code of Civil Procedure § 340.16 gives survivors up to 10 years from the date of the assault to file a civil lawsuit, or 3 years from the date they discover the assault. This is far more generous than the standard 2-year limit for most personal injury claims. The extended period allows victims to process their trauma and make legal decisions when they are ready.

Higher Potential Compensation

Victims in California can seek economic damages for medical bills, therapy, and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. In severe cases involving reckless or intentional conduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar acts.

Legal Claims Against Both Driver and Company

Victims may be able to sue not only the driver but also the rideshare company for negligent hiring, supervision, or failure to take reasonable safety measures. In some cases, these companies may be treated more like employers under California law, which increases their responsibility.

Privacy Protections in Court

Survivors can often proceed under pseudonyms, and sensitive case files can be sealed. This helps protect privacy during a difficult legal process.

Why Policy Limits Are a Central Issue in Rideshare Assault Cases

In any personal injury case, the available compensation is often tied to insurance policy limits. These limits determine the maximum amount the insurer will pay, regardless of the harm suffered.

Rideshare companies typically maintain high liability limits when a passenger is in the vehicle, up to $1 million in some circumstances. But if lawmakers reduce these limits, victims could see available coverage drop dramatically, forcing them to accept settlements far below the actual value of their damages.

Lower limits could be particularly devastating in sexual assault cases, where medical treatment, therapy, and loss of income can add up quickly, and the emotional toll warrants significant non-economic damages.

Concerns About Possible Legislative Changes

One of the biggest threats to rideshare sexual assault survivors in California is the possibility of reduced insurance protections. SB 371 would lower the mandatory insurance coverage rideshare companies must carry for passengers from the current $1 million per passenger to as little as $100,000 – $300,000 per incident.

For survivors, this drastic reduction could mean the gap between fully covering medical care, counseling, and lost income, or being left with bills they cannot pay. It also signals that other bills could follow, further eroding victims’ rights and making it even harder to recover fair compensation.

Advocates warn that this legislative push reflects the influence of Uber and Lyft in Sacramento, raising concerns that lawmakers are prioritizing corporate interests over consumer safety. Reducing coverage would allow rideshare companies to settle cases for far less and leave victims with few options if the driver has limited personal assets.

Because the bill would affect claims filed after it takes effect, survivors who wait to act may be forced to accept these reduced limits. Speaking with Phoong Law now can help preserve your rights under the current, more favorable laws.

The Scope of the Rideshare Sexual Assault Problem

Reports from both Uber and Lyft show thousands of sexual assault claims over the past several years, but newly revealed court records indicate the problem is far greater than previously admitted. From 2017 to 2022, Uber logged 400,181 reports of sexual assault and sexual misconduct nationwide, a staggering number compared to the 12,522 serious assault cases the company had disclosed in its safety reports for the same period.

Lyft has also faced thousands of similar allegations. Common legal allegations against both companies include:

• Failing to conduct thorough background checks

• Allowing drivers with prior misconduct complaints to continue working

• Not providing adequate in-ride safety features or alerts

• Ignoring or minimizing passenger complaints about driver behavior

Uber and Lyft have also refused to require dash cameras in vehicles, despite overwhelming evidence that such measures could improve safety. Instead, they continue to operate profitably, even as they face over 2,000 sexual assault lawsuits, and now stand to benefit from reduced insurance obligations, an unprecedented rollback of consumer protections in the United States.

Challenges Survivors Face Even Under Current Laws

Despite California’s strong protections, survivors still face hurdles in securing justice and fair compensation.

Independent Contractor Classification

Uber and Lyft classify drivers as independent contractors, arguing that this limits their liability for driver misconduct. While California’s AB5 law sought to narrow these classifications, rideshare companies have fought to maintain their current model, which can complicate victim claims.

Evidence Preservation

Survivors may need to act quickly to preserve important evidence, including ride records, GPS data, and internal safety reports. These records can be difficult to obtain, and companies may claim privilege over certain safety-related documents.

Delays in Litigation

Even with MDL consolidation, large-scale cases can take years to resolve. Survivors may face long waits before receiving compensation, and corporate defendants sometimes use procedural tactics to delay proceedings further.

Why Acting Quickly Can Protect Victims’ Rights

Survivors who consult an attorney early can:

• Preserve critical evidence before it is lost or destroyed

• Ensure their claims are filed within the correct statute of limitations

• Secure medical and psychological evaluations that strengthen their case

• Lock in their rights under current laws before any legislative changes occur

Waiting too long increases the risk that policy changes, evidence loss, or missed deadlines will limit recovery.

How Phoong Law Supports Rideshare Sexual Assault Survivors

Phoong Law provides comprehensive legal support for survivors of rideshare sexual assault in California. Our services include:

• Free, confidential consultations to explain your options

• Detailed investigation into the driver’s history and the company’s safety practices

• Access to expert witnesses in trauma, safety protocols, and corporate accountability

• Aggressive negotiation with insurers and rideshare companies

• Litigation when a fair settlement is not offered

Our attorneys understand the sensitivity of these cases and prioritize both justice and survivor well-being throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a rideshare sexual assault claim in California?
Currently, most survivors have up to 10 years for civil sexual assault claims, but related claims may have shorter deadlines. Speaking to an attorney promptly ensures you don’t miss an important filing window.

Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?
Currently, in many cases, yes. If the company failed to screen drivers properly or ignored prior misconduct, they may be held liable along with the driver.

What if I want to keep my identity private?
California law allows the use of pseudonyms and sealing of sensitive court documents in many sexual assault cases to protect privacy.

What kinds of damages can I recover?
Currently, survivors may recover medical expenses, therapy costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and in some cases punitive damages designed to punish the company or driver.

Will new laws affect my claim?
If you file after a change in the law, your claim could be subject to new limits on coverage or damages. Filing now can help preserve your rights under the current legal framework.

Taking Action Now Could Make All the Difference

Sexual assault in rideshare vehicles is not a rare or isolated problem, it is a widespread safety crisis. While survivors in California currently benefit from strong legal protections, SB 371 and similar legislative efforts could drastically reduce available compensation and weaken survivor protections.

Acting now can help protect your rights before these changes take effect. Get your free, confidential case review with Phoong Law today. Call 866-GOT-PAIN or complete our online form to take the first step toward justice, before the law changes in favor of corporations.

Phoong Law is ready to stand with you, fight for your rights, and hold rideshare companies accountable.