Lyft Driver Assaults Woman In Her Home
A woman claims that a Lyft driver followed her into her home and sexually assaulted her, according to recent reports. The Chula Vista woman said that she had spent an evening drinking with friends and called for a rideshare driver through the Lyft app. While she was riding home, she became ill, and opened the door and vomited outside the car. The driver claimed that he could charge her $200 for cleaning, but offered to allow her to pay $100 cash instead. She agreed to pay the fee in cash.
When she arrived home, she went into her room to retrieve the money. While she was standing in her bedroom, she turned around to find the driver immediately behind her. She claims that he moved toward her, telling her that if she “gave him some love” there would be no fee. She pushed him away, telling him to get out of her home, at which point he began caressing her belly and backside. She ran from him, ripping her sandal in the process. He pushed her onto her couch, but she kicked at him and he finally left.
The victim called the police and filed a lawsuit against Lyft. She claims in her suit that the $1.50 fee charged by the company for “background checks” is worthless and misleading.
Attorney Dan Gilleon notes, “Whatever they (Lyft) are doing, it isn’t working. They should not be sending a signal ‘hey, trust these people that we’ve never met face to face.'”
The victim says that she will never use the service again. The company claims to be cooperating fully with the investigation and says that they have deactivated the driver. Lyft plans to institute fingerprint checks in January 2016.
Can I Sue a Business If I Am Assaulted?
Businesses have a duty of care to ensure that customers are given a safe environment when they visit the premises. This means that the area must be free of hazards that could lead to injury. This rule means that the physical premises of a business must be clean and safe, but it can also be expanded to include other areas, such as vehicles. Additionally, businesses are usually considered responsible for the actions of their employees.
If you have been assaulted by an employee, you may have a valid claim against the employer. Contact Dan Gilleon in San Diego to learn more about how you can protect your rights and possibly recover compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
