A recent study shows that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 16 men have experienced some form of sexual assault. You’re not the only one going through this, whether it is at the workplace or in ridesharing services like Uber. And there are people who can help.
Uber sexual assault attorneys can help you through this challenging time. They are specially trained to handle cases like yours. They understand the unique challenges you’re facing and can provide the support and guidance you need.
We spoke with a top Uber sexual assault lawyer and asked them the six most common questions survivors have. Here’s what they shared.
1. I’m scared to come forward. What if no one believes me?
First of all, we want you to know that it’s totally okay to feel scared and worried right now. It’s natural to feel that way when you’re thinking about sharing something so personal and painful. But please remember how brave you are for even considering it.
The law is here to protect you. If you choose to come forward, there are people like us who are here to help you every step of the way. We’ll treat you with care and respect.
We know you might be afraid of not being believed, but many people just like you have been heard and supported. The legal system is designed to make sure everyone’s voice is heard.
2. Will I have to relive the assault in court?
The whole idea of filing a case is to ensure you get justice and perhaps the closure that you need to heal and move on. We do not want to retraumatize you, not even in the least.
If you do not want to face your assaulter in court, there are ways we can make it easier. For example, we might be able to record your testimony on video instead of having you go to court in person.
Or maybe you won’t even need to testify at all. Your lawyer will work with you to figure out what’s best and make sure you feel safe and supported every step of the way.
Your well-being is really important to us, and we’ll do everything we can to make this as easy as possible.
3. Can I still file a claim if I didn’t report the assault to Uber right away?
Of course, you can still file a claim even if you didn’t tell Uber right away. It’s okay. The timing of your report isn’t the most important thing.
What matters is that you’re seeking help and taking action now. There are rules in place that give you time to file a claim, so your delay doesn’t mean you can’t get justice. Just take things at your own pace and talk to a lawyer who can help you through this.
4. What if the driver denies the allegations?
Your case will not be thrown out of court simply because the driver said they didn’t do anything. The law is designed to investigate everything carefully. Both sides will get to tell their story, and the court will decide what’s true.
5. How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
The time you have to file a lawsuit depends on where you live and the details of your case. There are rules that set a deadline for bringing forward your claims. It’s best to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible to understand these deadlines and make sure you don’t miss anything important.
6. What can I expect from the legal process?
First, you’ll have to talk to a lawyer who specializes in sexual assault cases. They’ll listen to you, explain your options, and help you gather evidence like medical records, police reports, Uber records, witness statements, and any surveillance footage. If you decide to go forward, your lawyer will file a lawsuit.
Before the trial, there might be some legal steps to take. Your lawyer will handle these to make sure your case is presented strongly. You might also explore settling the case without going to trial.
If the case goes to trial, you’ll present evidence, share your story, and be questioned by the other side’s lawyer. After the trial, the judge or jury will decide the case. If you’re not happy with the result, you might be able to appeal it.
