What to Know After the DiBella Law Rideshare Report: How Sexual Assault Risks Reach Ordinary Trips — and What Riders Can Do

Why a law firm’s report matters to anyone who takes Uber (UBER) or Lyft (LYFT)

A new report from DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers has put fresh attention on a painful reality: sexual assault and serious harassment can and do happen inside rideshare trips. The report collects case files and media accounts and argues that the risk to passengers is not just a rare headline. For people who use Uber (UBER) or Lyft (LYFT) to get home, to the airport, or to a night out, that makes the ride less routine and more personal.

This matters because rideshares are part of daily life for millions. Most trips are harmless, but a single bad ride can cause lasting trauma and practical headaches. The DiBella Law report is a reminder that safety depends on how companies manage drivers, how regulators act, and how riders protect themselves. It does not mean every trip is dangerous, but it does mean riders should treat safety as an active part of planning a ride.

What the report says and the bigger trends around rideshare safety

DiBella Law’s report compiles examples where passengers allege sexual assault or severe harassment during rideshare trips. The cases underscore recurring themes: assaults often happen late at night, when passengers are alone or intoxicated, or when drivers and riders end up isolated. The report also highlights gaps in how quickly companies and authorities respond.

Beyond individual cases, the report comes amid broader scrutiny of rideshare safety. Regulators and advocates have pressed platforms for better background checks, faster incident reporting, and clearer safety features inside the apps. Rideshare companies have rolled out tools — like shareable trip details and in-app emergency buttons — but critics say those measures do not always prevent bad actors or help victims after the fact.

Put simply: the DiBella Law write-up is less about shocking new statistics and more about drawing attention to recurring failures and real people harmed during routine trips. That framing is what makes it relevant to everyday riders.

Common risk factors: when a trip becomes riskier

Understanding where risk rises helps riders make safer choices. The situations that tend to increase the chance of assault or harassment are clear and repeat across many cases:

• Late-night or very early trips. Darkness and fewer people around can leave both rider and driver isolated.
• Riding alone while intoxicated. Impaired judgment and reduced ability to react make riders more vulnerable.
• Getting into the front seat. Sitting beside a driver puts a rider in closer, less controllable space.
• Unplanned route changes. When a driver leaves the expected path or turns down isolated streets, the situation can escalate quickly.
• Poor app or profile verification. If a driver’s car or profile details don’t match what the app shows, it’s a red flag.
• Rides that begin or end in secluded pick-up points. Long walks to quiet curbside spots increase exposure.
• Drivers who pressure for contact outside the platform. Requests to exchange numbers or switch to an unmonitored messaging app remove company oversight.

Practical steps to lower your risk during a ride

Small habits reduce risk more than dramatic precautions. Here are straightforward, practical steps riders can take every time they summon a car.

• Verify before you get in. Match the driver’s name, car make and color, and license plate to what the app shows. Ask the driver to confirm your name before opening the door.
• Share your trip details. Use the app’s share-trip feature so a friend knows the vehicle and route in real time.
• Sit in the back seat. This keeps a clear personal space and two exit doors available.
• Keep your phone charged and accessible. A working phone lets you call for help, check your route, or record details quickly.
• Follow the route on your map. If the driver deviates without explanation, speak up or ask to be let out in a safe, public place.
• Avoid accepting offers to switch to another app or exchange private contact info. Keep the interaction inside the platform so it’s documented.
• Pick well-lit, busy pick-up spots when you can. If you must walk to a pickup point, stay in view of others and avoid shortcuts through secluded areas.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable, ask to end the trip in a safe, public location and contact someone immediately.

After an incident: report, preserve evidence, and document the trip

If you experience assault or serious harassment, safety comes first. Move to a safe place and call local emergency services if you are in danger. After you are safe, the steps you take can matter for any later investigation or legal action.

DiBella Law stresses documenting everything while it is fresh. Keep copies or screenshots of:

• The driver’s profile page and vehicle information from the app.
• Trip details, timestamps, route map, and receipts.
• Any messages, call records, or photo evidence tied to the incident.
• Physical evidence such as clothing — store it in a paper bag and avoid washing if you may pursue a criminal case.

Report the incident to the rideshare company through the in-app reporting tool or help center and to the police. Note the names, times, and any witnesses. DiBella Law’s guidance also explains that seeking prompt medical attention is important both for health and for preserving evidence.

Where to turn: hotlines, local support, and the full report

If you need immediate support, national hotlines such as the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-4673) can connect you to local services and counseling. Local hospitals, sexual assault response teams, and community crisis centers provide medical care and forensic exams.

For people wanting to read the DiBella Law write-up or find company reporting pages, search for the law firm’s rideshare report by name and look for the rideshare company’s official safety center inside their app or on their website. Local police departments can guide reporting steps in your jurisdiction.

The DiBella Law report aims to remind riders that safety is a shared responsibility — involving platform rules, regulatory action, and everyday choices. By paying attention to risk factors, taking simple safety habits, and knowing how to report an incident, riders can lower their chance of harm and be prepared if the worst happens.

Photo: Orange Ocean / Pexels

Sources

• prnewswire.com