Founding partner at Estey & Bomberger, Michael Bomberger, was featured discussing the growing number of lawsuits facing ridesharing giant Uber in article by Bloomberg Law titled, “Uber Sexual Assault Suits Mount as It tries to Calm Safety Fears“. In the article that outlines the massive problem Uber has regarding drivers on the platform regularly assaulting passengers, Mr. Bomberger is quoted as saying, “We are anxious to get them (250 pending cases) to trial as quickly as we can. Getting a verdict will be the only way to shine a light on the way these companies do business.”
The article goes into detail about how rideshare companies Uber and Lyft continue to deny liability in these cases but the current litigation wave is complicating matters for the companies as the ride-hailing business model faces mounting pressure from California state regulators to report assault allegations. This recently led to a settlement between Uber and the California Public Utilities Commission.
It also comes after the gig companies pushed a $200 million ballot initiative to cement drivers’ status as independent contractors in the state. Lawsuits have been filed around the country, and at least one is scheduled for trial in October, but the latest round in California could be consolidated before a state judge according to attorneys.
These companies choose not to make systematic changes because they find it is more cost effective to try to reach a settlement rather than face a jury. If a court finds Uber and Lyft liable for the actions of their drivers, it could put them on the hook for damages and require changes to their business operations.
This is why the attorneys at Estey & Bomberger work tirelessly to hold these companies accountable for the actions of their drivers. Until these changes are put in place, customers will not be safe from the predators that use these platforms to prey upon victims.