In multiple countries around the world, Uber is a widely-used rideshare service. Uber plays a vital role in getting riders to their intended destinations, while also letting drivers make some additional money.
The widespread use of Uber around the world shows that it’s clearly meeting a demand. However, there have still been certain issues with the service. Sometimes, drivers and riders report incidents of violence or other conflicts with one another.
Some of the worst reports of Uber experiences have involved sexual assault. Now, Uber is being sued by hundreds of women who are alleging sexual assault, as documented by Washington Examiner.
What to Know About the Lawsuit Against Uber
Slater Slater Schulman LLP reports that 550 women who used Uber were subjected to major abuses from rideshare drivers. These abuses include rapes, kidnappings, imprisonments, harassment, stalkings, sexual batteries, and sexual assaults.
This has happened in multiple states, according to Slater Slater Schulman LLP. The firm also slammed Uber for branding itself as a tool for riders to safely get home, yet failing to protect riders.
The lawsuit against Uber comes a month after Uber released a US Safety report revealing nearly 1,000 sexual assault incidents. https://t.co/dP8YCGsk53 pic.twitter.com/nW3xySdN4r
— Forbes (@Forbes) July 15, 2022
The lawsuit goes on to accuse the rideshare giant of putting safety to the side in favor of company growth. Additionally, Uber stands accused of putting the number of available drivers over background checks to ensure safety.
In further points, the women suing Uber maintain that the company declined to put in place precautions that could boost safety and protect riders.
Suitable precautions could have included cameras in vehicles, stronger background checks, and warning notifications that could alert riders if their drivers begin veering off course.
Response From Uber
Following the news of this lawsuit, Uber responded with a public statement of its own.
According to the rideshare company, sexual assault is taken seriously and the company has employed various measures to ensure public safety while using its service.
Uber cited these measures as new in-app features for safety and greater transparency concerning accidents that happen during rides.
A great celebration is a safe celebration 🇺🇸
If you drink, please don't drive. We’ve teamed up with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Anheuser-Busch to help end impaired driving.#DecideToRide @AnheuserBusch @MADD pic.twitter.com/30z3mi0z7u
— Uber (@Uber) July 1, 2022
In regards to the lawsuit it’s facing from hundreds of women who allege assault while using the app, Uber stated it can’t publicly comment on litigation that’s pending. Although the rideshare giant also commented the “heart of [its] work” centers around security.
It remains to be seen how this lawsuit plays out and whether or not Uber is able to defend itself from the claims of neglecting safety to boost company profits.
Social media users have weighed in on the lawsuit with various concerns about Uber’s treatment of riders and drivers alike.
What are your takeaways from the lawsuit Uber is facing from hundreds of women in the United States? How do you believe this will end up for the company? You can let us know your thoughts on this in the comments area.
This article appeared in Watch Dog News and has been published here with permission.
