At Munley Law, our Philadelphia Uber sexual assault lawyers provide survivors with a path to justice, accountability, and financial recovery after devastating trauma. We understand how difficult it is to come forward after suffering a sexual violation, and we stand beside you with compassion, discretion, and strength.
Our nationally recognized trial attorneys have nearly seven decades of experience fighting for injury victims. Our firm has earned recognition from Best Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and we have secured landmark verdicts and settlements for our clients.
Munley Law’s Philadelphia Uber lawyers will handle every aspect of your case while protecting your privacy and well-being. From investigation through litigation, we build powerful claims designed to hold negligent parties accountable.
When you are ready, we are here to help you take the next step forward toward your recovery. Contact us for a free consultation today.
Call Us At 844-686-5397 How Can a Philadelphia Uber Sexual Assault Lawyer Help Survivors?
At Munley Law, we understand how difficult it can be to come forward after experiencing sexual assault – whether in an Uber-related incident or otherwise. Many survivors hesitate to pursue legal action due to fear, trauma, or concern about reliving this experience. We approach every case with compassion and discretion, working to pursue justice that prioritizes your well-being while protecting your privacy at every stage.
Munley Law offers attorneys with experience handling sensitive sexual assault cases, including Julia Munley and Christopher Munley, who have advocated for survivors in complex and deeply personal claims. This background gives us a strong understanding of the legal, emotional, and procedural knowledge involved, allowing us to build cases that are both strategic and survivor-centered.
We manage every aspect of your claim so you can focus on healing. From investigating the incident and preserving critical evidence to handling negotiations and litigation, we take on the legal burden for you. Allow us to guide you through your options, explain what to expect, and provide steady counsel throughout the process.
At Munley Law, you are never alone – we stand with you and advocate for your rights every step of the way.
What Compensation Can You Recover After an Uber Sexual Assault in Philadelphia?
As a survivor of an Uber sexual assault, you have the right to pursue compensation to help offset the cost of your medical care and pain and suffering. While this cannot undo the harm you have experienced, it helps provide you with the resources you need to begin to heal. Depending on your situation, you may be able to recover the following losses in your case:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Therapy or counseling expenses
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- PTSD, anxiety, depression, sleep problems
- Reduced quality of life and loss of enjoyment
- Punitive damages
Uber sexual assault cases have many layers, and the outcome of your claim is impacted by several factors. As such, the settlement or verdict in your case will reflect your specific needs, the extent and severity of your losses, and account for ongoing or lifetime care costs. These factors impact how much you can recover and the time it takes to receive your settlement. Your Philadelphia Uber sexual assault attorney will fiercely advocate and negotiate on your behalf to secure maximum compensation for your losses.
Can Uber Be Held Liable for Sexual Assault by a Driver?
For years, Uber has limited the rights and actions of passengers who have been sexually assaulted. In order to use their service, Uber required passengers to resolve all claims via arbitration, as specified in their user agreement. Because of the confidential nature of this process, many survivors were silenced and had limited options for getting justice. However, in 2018, Uber ended forced arbitration for survivors of sexual assault, allowing them to sue the company in court. Arbitration remains in effect for other claim types.
Since this change went into effect, lawsuits against Uber have increased for sexual assaults. There have been so many lawsuits that there is a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) case against Uber. This case also includes several lawsuits from Pennsylvania. Claimants must provide evidence of Uber’s failure to protect the safety of its passengers by establishing the company’s liability. This requires that each of the following four parts of negligence be demonstrated:
- Duty of care: Uber has an obligation to protect passengers from harm and actively take steps to improve safety measures and screening processes
- Breach of duty: Failure to address safety issues and reported incidents is a violation of Uber’s duty to passengers
- Causation: Uber’s lack of action increases the risk of passenger harm and contributes to the traumatic sexual assault you experienced because they did not put better screening and security measures in place
- Damages: When Uber’s negligence contributes to your assault, they can be held liable for the damage they caused you and must provide compensation
These elements can provide a clear picture of Uber’s role in what you suffered, so you can hold them accountable for their negligence. This process requires a significant amount of evidence and solid strategies, which is why it is essential to hire a sexual assault lawyer who can handle this process for you. The Philadelphia Uber sexual assault attorneys at Munley Law have extensive experience satisfying these legal requirements, establishing Uber’s negligence as fact, and tailoring their approach to your circumstances.
What Should You Do After an Uber Sexual Assault in Philadelphia?
Survivors of Uber sexual assault should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. This is important for your safety and to make sure you get the treatment and resources you need for your recovery. Allowing a doctor to evaluate the scope of your injuries also helps establish medical evidence that is important if you choose to file a claim against your driver.
You should also file a report with both Uber and the Philadelphia Police Department so the perpetrator can be brought to justice and held accountable for their actions according to local ordinances. Police reports help preserve evidence, which also helps protect your rights during the legal process. Philadelphia Uber sexual assault lawyers will review all of this evidence when building your case and utilize it as applicable in your lawsuit against Uber.
How Does Pennsylvania Law Define Sexual Assault?
Pennsylvania defines sexual assault as intercourse or indecent contact against a person’s will. This includes non-consensual touching, kissing, penetration, and/or rape. If you were subjected to these actions by your Uber driver, then you have grounds for legal recourse and support. The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office provides resources for survivors, which may include aid from the Victim’s Compensation Assistance Program. An Uber rape lawyer can discuss your options and how to proceed.
Individuals and Locations Most at Risk for Uber Sexual Assault
Unfortunately, certain individuals may be at a higher risk of being sexually assaulted by their Uber driver than others. Women traveling alone, young adults, and elderly individuals may be more vulnerable and have a harder time fighting off their attacker. Similarly, individuals under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be more susceptible as well. Out-of-town travelers visiting Philadelphia and Center City may also be at risk due to their unfamiliarity with the area.
Certain locations can also be more prone to sexual assault activity than others. College campuses, such as the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University, may be at higher risk for these offenses. Other crowded locations, such as Philadelphia International Airport and local bars, may make an assault go unnoticed. However, isolated and residential areas are sometimes associated with an increase in sexual assault activity as well.
While these are some of the most targeted individuals and locations, sexual assault offenses are not limited to these parties and places. Because sexual assault can happen anywhere, it is important to remain alert during your ride. If you have been assaulted by your driver, maintaining evidence of your ride request and/or phone screenshots of the app can be provided to Philadelphia courts as evidence of your initial ride request, route, and more when the assault occurred.
What Evidence Is Needed to Prove an Uber Sexual Assault Case?
As in any legal case, evidence is critical to a strong claim and a favorable outcome. There are certain types of evidence you can gather or initiate after you have been assaulted. Other forms of evidence will need to be obtained by Philadelphia Uber sexual assault attorneys who have access to resources you may not have. The more documentation you have, the smoother your case will be. Some common forms of evidence may include:
- Medical records showing your injuries, treatments, and expenses
- Sexual assault/rape kit results
- Police reports
- Statements and testimonies from you, witnesses, and/or experts
- Uber information about your ride
- Surveillance footage
- Physical evidence, such as the victim’s unwashed or damaged clothing or underwear from the incident, might carry the perpetrator’s DNA
While this is not a full list of evidence a lawyer may use in your case, it does provide a clear snapshot of some key items you will want to secure or talk with your lawyer about when building your case. Your lawyer will review any evidence you have initiated or collected and do further research to gather more items and information. They will discuss what your options are in light of the available evidence, and what strategies may be most effective for securing a favorable outcome in your case.
What Is Sami’s Law, and How Could It Affect Rideshare Safety in Pennsylvania?
Several states have begun to take action in recent years to combat incidents of sexual assault by Uber and other rideshare drivers. While other states have adopted similar laws, Pennsylvania has proposed legislation to adopt what has become known as Sami’s Law.
Sami’s Law was created in 2019 after Samantha Josephson was murdered after entering a vehicle that presented itself as an Uber. Her body was later found in the woods. Since then, federal legislation has been passed, and many states have also taken steps to adopt state-level versions.
The Pennsylvania legislation introduced by Representative Ann Flood early in 2025 would require drivers to display a bar code that must be scanned before a passenger enters a vehicle for verification. It would also make it illegal to acquire false rideshare signage and impersonate a rideshare vehicle.
Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions About Uber Sexual Assault Cases
How Long Do I Have to File an Uber Sexual Assault Claim in Philadelphia?
The statute of limitations for filing an Uber sexual assault claim depends on your situation and age. Pennsylvania allows adults 2 years to file civil claims and 12 years to file criminal claims. For assaults perpetrated against children, they can file civil claims anytime up to the age of 30 or up to the age of 55 for criminal claims. These extended periods are designed to accommodate the delayed reporting common with experiencing such trauma. Consult an Uber assault attorney to learn about your options.
What Are My Rights After an Uber Sexual Assault?
You have the right to sue Uber if you have been sexually assaulted by a driver. You also have the right to pursue damages to offset your expenses and get the care you need. Philadelphia provides survivors access to information about actions regarding their case under the Right-to-Know Law as well.
Can I Sue My Attacker for Sexual Assault?
Yes. In addition to suing Uber for negligent practices, you can also sue the Uber Driver who sexually assaulted you. The scope of these two lawsuits is different, and can allow you to hold both parties accountable for the harm they caused you.
What Proof Do I Need to File an Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit?
To file a claim, you will need evidence linking the assault to the Uber ride and demonstrating harm. This may include ride records, medical documentation, police reports, and witness statements. An attorney can also obtain app data, driver history, and internal Uber records.
Even if you have limited evidence, you may still have a case. Legal teams can help uncover additional proof and build a strong claim on your behalf.
Are Uber Drivers Background-Checked Before Being Hired?
Uber conducts background checks, but critics argue these screenings may not always identify individuals with concerning histories. Lawsuits often allege that inadequate screening or monitoring contributed to unsafe conditions. These failures can form the basis of a negligence claim.
Can I Sue Uber Even If the Driver Was an Independent Contractor?
Yes. While Uber classifies drivers as independent contractors, the company may still be liable for negligent hiring, retention, or safety failures. Courts increasingly examine Uber’s role in passenger safety, especially in assault cases.
Will My Case Remain Confidential?
In many cases, steps can be taken to protect your identity and sensitive information. Courts may allow anonymity or limit public disclosure. Your legal team will prioritize your privacy throughout the process.
Can Criminal Charges and Civil Claims Happen at the Same Time?
Yes. Criminal cases focus on punishing the sexual offender, while civil claims seek compensation for the survivor. Both processes can proceed independently and serve different purposes.
Contact Munley Law Today
Munley Law has built a reputation for excellence in personal injury litigation, securing multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for clients across complex cases. Our attorneys have served in leadership roles in organizations such as the American Association for Justice and have been consistently recognized for legal excellence and ethical advocacy. We bring that same level of skill, resources, and commitment to every Uber sexual assault case we handle.
If you’ve survived Uber sexual assault in Philadelphia, Munley Law will provide you with compassionate support and guidance to help you through this difficult time. We help you take the first step toward closure and empower your voice throughout the process. Our team fiercely fights for you and for justice. You can be confident that you will receive exceptional service from a highly qualified team. To learn more about how we can serve you, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
J. Christopher Munley
James Christopher Munley is an award-winning plaintiffs’ lawyer who has dedicated his career to fighting for accident victims and their families. As a board-certified civil trial advocate, Chris was named Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers for Workers’ Compensation by Best Lawyers, and has been listed on Pennsylvania Super Lawyers since 2013.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
1617 John F Kennedy Blvd
Suite 1690,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 515-7747
