Scranton Uber Sexual Assault Attorney

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When you open the Uber app, you expect a safe, convenient ride, whether you are headed to dinner in downtown Scranton, a class at the University of Scranton, or a visit with friends in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, ridesharing is not without risk. Survivors of sexual assault have reported life-changing incidents during Uber rides, and these cases demand accountability.

If you or someone you love has been sexually assaulted during an Uber ride, a Scranton Uber sexual assault attorney at Munley Law can guide you through the legal process and fight for justice. Our team also represents victims of rideshare crashes, so if your case involves a collision, a Scranton Uber accident lawyer from our firm can help secure compensation for your injuries.

Why Choose Munley Law After an Uber Sexual Assault?

Choosing a law firm is one of the most important decisions you will make after an assault. Munley Law stands apart for several reasons:

• Family tradition of advocacy: For more than 65 years, Munley Law has been a leader in personal injury law across Pennsylvania. Our family of lawyers has built a reputation on integrity and results.
• National recognition: Our attorneys are consistently listed in Best Lawyers in America and Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, and we have achieved top-tier ratings from organizations like Martindale-Hubbell.
• Record of results: Munley Law has obtained some of the largest settlements and verdicts in the state, demonstrating our ability to take on corporations and insurance companies.
• Our promise: We pledge to treat every client with dignity, to communicate openly, and to commit every resource necessary to their case. That means we never collect a fee unless we win compensation for you.

Our office is located near downtown Scranton, within reach of clients across Northeastern Pennsylvania. Whether your case arises from an assault, a crash, or another form of negligence, we are prepared to represent you.

Our Scranton Uber Sexual Assault Attorneys Will Help You Seek Justice

Choosing to pursue a civil case against Uber or one of its drivers requires a law firm with experience and courage. Our Scranton Uber sexual assault attorneys have decades of experience confronting large corporations, insurance companies, and negligent actors who try to avoid responsibility. We investigate Uber’s safety practices in depth, including:

• The thoroughness of their background checks
• How it handles complaints against drivers
• Whether Uber ignored patterns of misconduct
• The company’s responsibility for failing to remove dangerous drivers from its platform

When Uber profits from millions of rides, it cannot ignore passenger safety. We hold both the individual offender and the corporation accountable whenever their negligence contributes to an assault.

The Reality of Uber Assault Cases in Scranton

Uber and other rideshare services operate daily throughout Lackawanna County, providing transportation for residents, students, and visitors. While the majority of rides are uneventful, Uber’s own safety reports confirm that sexual assault within its platform is a widespread issue.

Survivors often work with the police department to make an initial report, and the district attorney’s office may open a criminal investigation. This process is challenging to manage alone, especially while coping with the physical and emotional trauma of the assault.

What Constitutes Sexual Assault During an Uber Ride?

Sexual assault in a rideshare setting includes a wide range of misconduct, including:

• Unwanted touching or groping
• Sexual comments and harassment escalating to physical contact
• Forcing or coercing sexual acts
• Inappropriate contact while the passenger is intoxicated or asleep
• Any non-consensual sexual activity

Even if survivors do not file criminal charges or if those charges result in an acquittal, they can still succeed in civil court.

What You Should Do if an Uber Driver Sexually Assaults You

If you are sexually assaulted during an Uber ride, taking immediate steps can protect your safety, preserve evidence, and strengthen both criminal and civil cases.

• Get to safety immediately. Exit the vehicle and move to a secure location.
• Call 911 and report the assault to the Scranton Police Department.
• Seek medical care without delay, both for your health and to document evidence.
• Preserve evidence, such as ride receipts, screenshots, messages, and clothing.
• Contact an attorney before speaking to Uber representatives or insurance companies.

Your health and safety come first, but legal protection should follow quickly to preserve your rights.

The Role of an Uber and Lyft Assault Attorney in Scranton

Uber may be the dominant rideshare platform, but individuals also widely use Lyft throughout Pennsylvania. Both companies have faced lawsuits nationwide involving sexual assaults by drivers. A seasoned Uber and Lyft assault attorney in Scranton can pursue claims against either service. These companies may be negligent if they:

• Approve drivers without adequate background checks
• Fail to investigate sexual misconduct complaints
• Keep drivers on the platform after multiple reports
• Neglect to provide effective in-app safety tools

By bringing civil claims, survivors seek justice for themselves and push rideshare corporations to improve safety measures.

How Uber May Be Negligent

Uber markets itself as a technology platform, distancing itself from traditional employer responsibilities. However, negligence arises when Uber:

• Fails to run thorough criminal and driving background checks
• Ignores complaints and allows drivers with concerning histories to keep working
• Lacks sufficient monitoring or follow-up systems
• Markets rides as “safe” without meeting reasonable safety standards

Courts across the country are increasingly scrutinizing Uber’s role in enabling misconduct by its drivers. Survivors in Scranton may have strong grounds for holding the company accountable.

Who Can File an Uber Assault Lawsuit?

Not every case looks the same, but several groups may bring Uber assault claims:

• Passengers: Anyone assaulted while riding in an Uber can file a lawsuit.
• Minors: Parents or guardians can file on behalf of underage survivors.
• Families: In some instances, family members may bring claims for loss of support or companionship.
• Third parties: Individuals harmed during pickup or drop-off situations may also have claims.

Each situation is unique, but if you or a loved one has been harmed in connection with an Uber ride, you may have the right to pursue legal action. Our attorneys can evaluate your circumstances and determine the most effective way to move forward.

Scranton Uber Sexual Assault Lawyers and the Legal Process

Working with experienced Scranton Uber sexual assault lawyers provides survivors with a clear plan for pursuing justice. Here is how the legal path typically unfolds:

• Police involvement: The first step is reporting to the Scranton Police Department or, if the assault occurred near campus, to the University of Scranton security. Law enforcement gathers evidence and begins a criminal investigation.
• District attorney proceedings: The Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office decides whether to prosecute the offender criminally. This process punishes the wrongdoer but does not provide compensation to the survivor.
• Civil claims: Survivors can file lawsuits against both the driver and Uber to recover damages. Civil cases often proceed in the Lackawanna County courts.
• Settlement or trial: Some cases resolve through negotiation. Others require a jury to decide.

At Munley Law, we manage the civil side of the process so you can focus on recovery while cooperating with criminal prosecutors.

Steps in an Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit

An Uber assault lawsuit follows a series of key stages, each designed to build your case and move it toward resolution in or out of court.

• Consultation: Meet with a Munley Law attorney to review your case.
• Investigation: We gather police reports, medical records, app data, and witness testimony.
• Filing the complaint: We initiate a civil lawsuit in the Lackawanna County courts or another jurisdiction.
• Discovery: Both sides exchange evidence and take sworn testimony.
• Settlement negotiations: Many cases resolve outside of trial.
• Trial: If necessary, we present your case before a jury.

At each step, we keep you informed and involved, reflecting our commitment to treat every client with dignity and respect.

How Long Do You Have to File an Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuit in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for civil assault claims is generally two years from the date of the assault. Some exceptions exist. Survivors who were minors at the time of the assault may have longer to file. Courts may extend deadlines for survivors who could not come forward earlier due to trauma. Acting quickly allows your attorney to gather fresh evidence and build a stronger case.

Long-Term Effects of Sexual Assault

Survivors often live with impacts that extend far beyond the day of the incident. Common long-term effects include:

• PTSD: Flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance
• Depression and anxiety: Emotional distress that disrupts daily life
• Academic and workplace struggles: Difficulty concentrating, attending classes, or maintaining employment
• Relationship challenges: Trust issues and strain on personal relationships
• Physical symptoms: Sleep problems, headaches, and other stress-related conditions

Civil damages can help fund the therapy, treatment, and resources necessary to support healing.

Damages a Sexual Assault Lawyer in Scranton May Help You Recover

Hiring a sexual assault lawyer in Scranton can open the door to compensation that helps restore stability and provide for long-term needs. Survivors may be entitled to:

• Medical treatment: This includes emergency care, follow-up visits, and prescriptions.
• Counseling and therapy: Trauma from sexual assault often requires years of professional support.
• Lost wages: Many survivors miss work due to emotional or physical recovery.
• Reduced earning potential: In some cases, survivors cannot return to the same career path.
• Pain and suffering: Courts recognize the devastating emotional toll of sexual assault.
• Punitive damages: The court awards punitive damages to punish the offender and deter future misconduct in cases involving egregious conduct.

Our firm has achieved some of the largest settlements and verdicts in Pennsylvania, giving survivors confidence that we can secure meaningful results.

Uber Sexual Assault Statistics

Uber publishes periodic U.S. Safety Reports, and the data is sobering. Between 2021 and 2022, Uber documented over 2,700 sexual assaults that occurred during rides. These assaults included unwanted touching, attempted rape, and rape. While Uber points to safety features in its app, the numbers show that many passengers remain vulnerable. Survivors in Scranton are not isolated. They are part of a national problem that requires accountability from billion-dollar companies.

Safety Tips to Reduce Risk in Uber Rides

No safety measure guarantees protection, but these steps can reduce risk:

• Confirm the driver’s name, photo, and license plate before entering.
• Share trip details with a friend or family member.
• Sit in the back seat for easier exit.
• Keep personal items like phones easily accessible.
• Trust your instincts. End the ride if you feel unsafe.

The responsibility for misconduct always lies with the perpetrator, but taking precautions can give you more control.

Common Questions About Uber Sexual Assault Cases

Can I file a civil lawsuit if the driver was not charged with a crime?

Yes. A civil lawsuit for damages is separate from a criminal case. The legal standards are different. A civil case can proceed even if the Scranton Police Department and Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office do not file criminal charges or if the person is acquitted.

Can Uber be held responsible for an assault by a driver?

Yes, in some cases. If Uber failed in screening, monitoring, or responding to prior complaints, it may share liability. Our attorneys analyze corporate policies and records to determine accountability.

What if the assault occurred outside Scranton?

Our firm represents clients across Northeastern Pennsylvania, and we handle cases in surrounding counties. We can file claims in the appropriate venue, whether that is the Lackawanna County courts or another jurisdiction.

Will I have to testify in court?

Not all cases go to trial. Many resolve through settlements. If testimony is required, we prepare you thoroughly and provide support throughout the process.

How much does it cost to hire Munley Law?

We operate on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing up front, and our fee comes only from a successful settlement or verdict.

Contact Munley Law for Help Getting Justice After an Uber Sexual Assault

Rideshare assaults devastate survivors and their families, but the law provides a path toward accountability and recovery. Whether you are a student at the University of Scranton, a resident commuting from nearby towns, or a visitor exploring downtown Scranton, you deserve to feel safe when using Uber or Lyft.

At Munley Law, our Scranton Uber sexual assault attorneys combine decades of trial experience with a commitment to client care. We are ready to meet with you, listen to your story, and take legal action against those responsible. Contact Munley Law today for a free and confidential consultation with a Scranton Uber sexual assault attorney.

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys

227 Penn Ave.
Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 865-4699
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