— Florida Rideshare Civil Litigation

Uber Sexual Assault Attorney in Florida

Civil Representation for Rideshare Assault Survivors Across Florida

If you were sexually assaulted during an Uber ride, you are not alone — and you may have legal options. Barnes Trial Group represents survivors of rideshare sexual assault in civil cases throughout Florida, including Tampa. We handle every case with care, discretion, and a commitment to accountability.
See If You Qualify — Free & Confidential
(813) 251-0777
  • No Upfront Cost
  • 100% Confidential
  • AV Preeminent® Rated Attorney
  • No Obligation
  • Tampa & Statewide

Who We Represent

Survivors of Rideshare Sexual Assault Across Florida

Fee Structure

Contingency Fee — You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

Consultation

Free, Confidential & Carries No Obligation

Jurisdiction

Tampa & All of Florida — Statewide Representation

Languages

English & Spanish — Hablamos Español

— Your Legal Team

Civil Trial Litigation · 30+ Years Experience

Experienced Civil Litigation. A Survivor-First Approach.

Stephen A. Barnes has represented victims of serious personal injury and wrongful death for more than 30 years. He founded Barnes Trial Group with a clear mission: to hold negligent parties accountable by preparing every case for trial — not just settlement.

For survivors of rideshare sexual assault, Stephen and his team bring the same trial-ready approach with an added commitment to discretion, compassion, and respect. We understand that speaking about what happened takes courage. Every case we handle is treated personally, with the privacy our clients deserve. You will never be pressured, rushed, or judged.

— Proven Results

Hundreds of Millions Recovered for Clients

A selection of results across practice areas — demonstrating Barnes Trial Group’s commitment to full compensation through trial-ready representation.

$17,000,000.00

  • Premises Liability, Wrongful Death

$8,050,000.00

  • Premises Liability

$7,050,000.00

  • Dram Shop, Wrongful Death

$7,000,000.00

  • Medical Malpractice, Wrongful Death

$6,195,180.00

  • Motor Vehicle Accident

$5,999,000.00

  • Motorcycle Accident

$3,925,000.00

  • Medical Malpractice

$3,850,000.00

  • Motorcycle Accident
Results listed are from prior cases and do not guarantee similar outcomes. Past results do not predict future performance. Every case is different.

— Do You Have a Claim?

You May Qualify Even If...

Many survivors hesitate to reach out because they believe their situation won’t qualify. Speaking with an attorney can help clarify your options — at no cost and no obligation.

The assault was not immediately reported to Uber or police

Criminal charges were never filed or were dropped

You are unsure whether Uber can be held responsible

The incident occurred some time ago — time limits vary, consult an attorney promptly

You accepted a refund or in-app credit from Uber after the incident

You were intoxicated or impaired at the time of the incident

You did not save your ride receipt at the time

You have spoken to police but were told nothing could be done criminally

Speak With BTG Confidentially

Our intake is free, carries no obligation, and is completely confidential. A member of our team will follow up with you directly — by phone, text, or email, whichever you prefer.
Start Your Confidential Intake
Or call us directly

(813) 251-0777

— Understanding Your Options

Your Legal Rights as a Survivor

Criminal Cases

Prosecuted by the state. The focus is on guilt and punishment of the driver. You are a witness — not a party. You have limited control over the process, and the standard of proof is "beyond a reasonable doubt."

Civil Cases

Filed by you, the survivor. The focus is on accountability and financial compensation. You are in control. The civil standard — "preponderance of evidence" — is lower, and you can pursue a civil claim even if criminal charges were dropped, never filed, or the case is still pending.

Important:

Civil and criminal cases are completely separate. A not-guilty verdict in a criminal trial does not prevent you from pursuing a civil claim. Many survivors have obtained civil accountability even when criminal prosecution did not move forward.

⚠ Act Promptly — Time Limits Apply

Florida's statute of limitations for civil sexual assault claims has been subject to legislative updates. Waiting too long may affect your ability to file. Speaking with an attorney as soon as possible is strongly recommended to protect your rights.

Every situation is different, and applicable time limits can depend on the specific facts of your case, when the incident occurred, and other legal factors. An attorney can evaluate your situation and advise you on your options — at no cost.

01
Negligent Hiring

Failure to conduct adequate background checks before allowing a driver to operate on the Uber platform.

02
Negligent Retention

Continuing to employ drivers with prior complaints, red flags, or patterns of concerning behavior.

03
Failure to Warn

Not adequately communicating known safety risks or patterns of driver misconduct to passengers.

04
Vicarious Liability

Whether Uber bears direct legal responsibility for the conduct of its drivers under Florida law.

05
Inadequate Safety Systems

Failure to implement reasonable passenger safety measures, monitoring protocols, or response procedures.

Note:

The following are types of damages that may be available depending on the specific facts of your case. Every situation is different. An attorney can help evaluate what may apply to your circumstances. No outcome is guaranteed.

Medical & Mental Health Treatment Costs
Lost Wages & Lost Earning Capacity
Pain & Suffering
Emotional Distress & Trauma
Long-Term Psychological Impact
Punitive Damages (in certain cases)

— Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions survivors most commonly ask when considering a civil claim against Uber in Florida.
Yes. In addition to any criminal proceedings, survivors may have the right to pursue a civil claim against Uber and/or the driver. Civil claims focus on accountability and compensation and are completely separate from any criminal case. You can pursue a civil claim even if the driver was never charged.
If you are safe: preserve your ride receipt and any app communications, seek medical care, and consider reporting to Uber and/or law enforcement. Contacting an attorney early can also help preserve your options. You do not need to have done everything perfectly — what matters is that you reach out.
Florida's statute of limitations for civil sexual assault claims has been subject to legislative changes. Time limits vary depending on the specific facts of your case. Speaking with an attorney as early as possible is strongly recommended to protect your ability to file.
Yes. All communications with Barnes Trial Group are kept strictly confidential. Submitting an intake form or speaking with our team does not create an attorney-client relationship, but your information is treated with the utmost privacy and discretion at all times.
Yes. Civil and criminal cases are entirely separate. The decision of prosecutors not to file charges — or the outcome of a criminal trial — does not prevent you from pursuing a civil claim. The standard of proof in civil cases is lower than in criminal proceedings.
Uber may offer in-app credits or small refunds following reported incidents, but these are not the same as civil legal compensation. Through a civil claim, survivors may seek damages for medical costs, lost wages, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and more. An attorney can help evaluate what compensation may be available in your specific case.
No. A police report is not required to pursue a civil claim. Many survivors never reported the incident to police, and civil cases can still proceed based on other evidence, documentation, and testimony.
Accepting a small courtesy refund or in-app credit from Uber after an incident typically does not prevent you from pursuing a civil claim. An attorney can review the specific circumstances of your situation to advise you on your options.
Nothing. Our initial consultation is free and carries no obligation. Barnes Trial Group works on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we achieve a result in your case.
Yes. Barnes Trial Group represents clients throughout Florida, including Tampa and all surrounding areas. If your incident occurred in Florida, we encourage you to reach out regardless of your location within the state.

— Recent Reporting

Uber Safety in the News

Investigative reporting continues to raise serious questions about Uber’s background check practices and passenger safety. Our attorneys monitor these developments and their implications for Florida survivors.
Screenshot 2026-01-28 at 12.47.20 PM

NYT Reports: Uber Faces Growing Pressure Over Sexual Assault Record

The New York Times reports that Uber is facing mounting pressure over its sexual assault record, as lawmakers and regulators examine passenger safety and corporate accountability.
+
Screenshot 2026-01-28 at 1.12.27 PM

Uber Expands Women Preferences Feature in Additional Markets

Uber announced the expansion of its Women Preferences feature as part of its ongoing response to passenger safety concerns.
+
Uber said the rollout of its Women Driver Preference feature would begin in Los Angeles, Detroit, and San Franscisco. (Photograph by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Barron’s Examines Uber Safety Policies and Market Response

Barron’s examines how Uber’s safety policies and initiatives are influencing investor confidence and market performance amid ongoing scrutiny.
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These reports provide important context, but every case is unique. A civil claim depends on specific facts, evidence, and applicable Florida law. Last updated: April 2026.

— Client Trust

Why Clients Choose Barnes Trial Group

5.0 · 111 Reviews

Google Rating — Excellent

Super Lawyers

Top 50 Tampa Bay

AV Preeminent®

Martindale-Hubbell — Highest Rating

$0 Upfront

Contingency Fee Only

"Barnes Trial Group was the best decision I could have made. Starting at the front desk, the entire staff was kind, understanding, and reassuring."

Jennifer T. — Google Review

"This is a tremendous law firm. My experience was excellent at all levels throughout all phases of our legal relationship. Every person I worked with was professional, helpful, friendly and beyond competent."

James R. — Google Review

"The whole team supported and guided me through the darkest time in my life. They cared for my family with world class legal expertise."

Chip J. — Google Review

Client testimonials reflect individual experiences. Individual results may vary. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Florida Bar advertising rules apply.

— Confidential Intake

See If You Have a Qualifying Case

This intake is free, confidential, and carries no obligation. Your information is used solely to evaluate whether you may have a qualifying civil claim. A member of the BTG team will follow up with you directly.

Questions? Call (813) 251-0777 or email info@barnestrialgroup.com
1104 N Howard Ave, 3rd Floor, Tampa, FL 33607

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— Ready to Talk?

We're Here for You

If you or a loved one were sexually assaulted during an Uber ride, BTG is available to discuss your situation confidentially. No obligation. No upfront cost. No pressure — only clarity about your options.
Start Confidential Intake →
(813) 251-0777
Support Resources — Available 24/7
Regardless of your legal situation, confidential support is always available:
RAINN Hotline — 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
Free, confidential — rainn.org — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week