Video: The Hidden Danger of Rideshare Trips: Uber & Lyft Sexual Assault Awareness and Your Legal Rights
December 23, 2025
Transcript
The Hidden Danger of Ride Share Trips
Did you know that the most dangerous part of a ride share trip often is not the drive itself. It is what can happen when you think you are safe.
I am attorney Tracy Paulsen, founder of Rightful Legal, and I want to talk to you today about ride share sexual assault. What it is, how it happens, and how you can protect yourself legally, physically, and emotionally.
Attorney Introduction and Topic Overview
Ride share sexual assault happens when a driver, or in some cases another passenger, uses the privacy of a ride share trip to commit unwanted sexual contact, coercion, or assault.
What Is Ride Share Sexual Assault
These cases often involve companies like Uber and Lyft, platforms that people use every single day to get home safely.
Many survivors tell me the same thing. They never thought this could happen during a normal ride. They had heard about it but did not think it would happen to them. Unfortunately, it happens far more often than most people realize.
Physical Safety Tips Before and During Rides
Before you get into a ride share, always check the driver’s name, photo, and license plate and make sure they match what is shown in your app.
Share your trip with someone you trust and keep your phone charged.
When you are in the car, sit in the back seat if possible and stay alert. If something feels off, trust that feeling. You are never required to stay in a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable. Your safety always comes before politeness.
What to Do If Something Happens
If something inappropriate happens during or after the ride, document everything as soon as you can.
Save screenshots of the trip, the driver’s information, and any messages. Report the incident right away through the app and to the police.
If you are unsure what to do next, contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Your Legal Rights as a Survivor
If you were sexually assaulted during a ride share, you may have legal claims against the driver and, in many cases, against the ride share company itself.
These cases often involve failures in background checks, safety policies, or response systems.
Civil Lawsuits Versus Criminal Cases
You do not need a criminal conviction to bring a civil case.
Civil cases are about accountability and compensation for the harm you suffered.
One of the biggest mistakes I see is waiting too long to speak with a lawyer. Evidence can disappear and legal deadlines can pass. Talking with a trauma informed attorney early helps protect your rights and preserve your options.
Emotional Impact and Healing
Sexual assault affects far more than physical safety. It can impact your sense of trust, control, and peace of mind.
I want you to hear this clearly. What happened to you is not your fault. You did nothing to deserve this.
Healing looks different for everyone and there is no timeline you have to follow. Support can include therapy, advocacy organizations, trusted friends or family, and legal guidance that respects your boundaries and hears your voice.
You are allowed to ask for help, and you are allowed to heal at your own pace.
Holding Ride Share Companies Accountable
Holding drivers and ride share companies accountable is about more than money.
It is about forcing change, improving safety systems and standards, and protecting future riders. When survivors come forward with the right support, patterns are exposed and repeat offenders are stopped.
Survivor Message and Free Consultation Information
If you or someone you love experienced sexual assault during a ride share, know this. Your voice matters. Your safety matters. Your future matters.
I am attorney Tracy Paulsen. If you are ready to talk, you can reach me for a confidential consultation on your own terms.
You can contact me directly at 617-821-5856 or visit rightfullegal.com to schedule a free consultation.
If you believe this information could help someone else, please share it. Thank you, and stay safe.


