Sharing a vehicle with a stranger in a rideshare can create a perfect opportunity for assailants. Victims of sexual abuse in these circumstances have a right to hold perpetrators and other responsible parties accountable for their illegal actions. Sexual assault or abuse that happens while using or in connection to a rideshare can involve complex questions of fault and liability.
A Philadelphia rideshare sexual abuse lawyer from our firm could pursue civil claims to recover compensation for the many damages you suffer after such an incident. Our attorneys at Soloff & Zervanos, P.C. have over 20 years of experience helping clients understand their rights and guiding them through the legal process for holding responsible parties financially liable.
Your health and safety are the first priorities after sexual abuse. Seek immediate medical attention to treat your injuries and document the attack. Do not change your clothes, shower, or clean the area until after you receive a medical exam. This allows medical professionals and law enforcement to properly collect the evidence necessary for establishing a claim against the assailant.
Our attorneys could also assist in coordinating your needs after a sex crime involving a rideshare in Philadelphia. We could help you report the abuse to law enforcement and the rideshare company. Notifying these parties promptly establishes a timeline of events and could help prevent the assailant from attacking others. Meeting with a lawyer as soon as possible after sexual abuse can help you understand the filing deadlines to pursue a civil claim. You generally have two years from the date of the assault to file a personal injury claim under Pennsylvania law. However, filing deadlines can be complex depending on your age and other circumstances, so consulting with a lawyer is helpful.
Our legal team could pursue compensation for several types of damages arising from sexual abuse from a rideshare driver in Philadelphia. For example, you could pursue compensation for damages related to the trauma, including:
We could also seek punitive damages. These are damages that a jury could award you to punish the assailant for their intentionally wrongful acts and to deter future abuse. We help our clients identify and document the damaging effects that a sexual assault has on their life to justify the compensation they are seeking in court.
Sexual abuse cases involving a rideshare can involve more than the assailant. The rideshare company may also be liable for an attack if it was negligent in its oversight of a user on its platform. An example of this negligence could include failing to conduct a background check and remove drivers with a history of sexual assault or abuse. Rideshare companies may also be liable for ignoring prior complaints of sexual abuse regarding a driver or passenger and allowing them to continue to use the platform.
If you need a Philadelphia rideshare sexual abuse lawyer, know that we have been advocating for the rights of victims of sexual abuse and assault for over 20 years. We believe you have the right to hold your assailant accountable and to recover compensation for the harm they caused. Contact our office today to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.
