How Long Do You Have to File an Uber Sexual Assault Claim in Georgia?

In Georgia, you generally have two years from the date of the sexual assault to file an Uber sexual assault claim.

Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from recovering compensation, but given the sensitive and often traumatic nature of these cases, understanding your rights with a legal professional and acting quickly is critical.

To learn more about deadlines for filing Uber sexual assault claims in Georgia, call a compassionate and experienced sexual assault lawyer in Atlanta today.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Uber Sexual Assault Claims in Georgia

The statute of limitations is the legal deadline by which you must file a civil claim. In Georgia, the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including sexual assault civil claims, is two years.

That’s how long you have to file your Uber sexual assault claim in Georgia. This two-year clock typically begins running on the date the assault occurred. However, there are important exceptions and nuances that may affect your specific deadline:

• Discovery rule: If you did not immediately connect your injuries (including psychological harm) to the assault, the clock may not start until you reasonably discovered, or should have discovered, the harm.
• Minors: If the survivor was under 18 at the time of the assault, Georgia law may toll (pause) the statute of limitations until they turn 18, at which point the two-year window begins.
• Criminal proceedings: A pending criminal case against the driver does not automatically extend your civil filing deadline. Civil and criminal cases are entirely separate, and you can pursue a civil claim regardless of whether the driver is criminally charged or convicted.

Because these exceptions are case-specific and legally challenging, it is always in your best interest to consult with an attorney as soon as possible rather than assume you have more time.

Who Can Be Held Liable in an Uber Sexual Assault Case?

One of the most important questions in these cases is who bears legal responsibility. Liability in Uber sexual assault claims can extend to multiple parties:

The Uber Driver

The individual who committed the assault is personally liable for their actions. A civil lawsuit can pursue damages directly against the driver for battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and other tort claims.

Uber (as a Company)

Uber has faced significant legal scrutiny and thousands of reported sexual assault cases across the United States.

While Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors, which it uses to limit corporate liability, survivors may still hold Uber accountable by arguing:

• Negligent hiring: Uber failed to conduct adequate background checks before allowing the driver onto its platform.
• Negligent retention: Uber was aware of prior complaints against the driver and failed to remove them.
• Negligent supervision: Uber failed to implement reasonable safety measures to protect passengers.

Uber’s own safety report has acknowledged thousands of sexual assault incidents occurring on its platform. This history can be powerful evidence in establishing the company’s awareness of the risk.

What Damages Can You Recover?

Survivors of Uber sexual assault may be entitled to significant compensation. A successful civil claim can recover:

• Medical expenses: Including emergency care, therapy, psychiatric treatment, and ongoing mental health services.
• Lost wages: If the trauma prevented you from working.
• Pain and suffering: For physical pain, emotional distress, PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: For the ways the assault has altered your daily life and relationships.
• Punitive damages: In cases where Uber’s conduct was especially reckless or egregious, punitive damages may be available to punish the company and deter future misconduct.

Steps to Take After an Uber Sexual Assault

If you or someone you love has been sexually assaulted by an Uber driver, you may be overwhelmed, scared, and unsure of what to do next. Taking the right steps early can significantly strengthen your legal claim, so here’s what you should do:

1. Seek medical attention immediately: Your health is the priority. Medical records also serve as critical evidence.
2. Report the assault to law enforcement: Filing a police report creates an official record of the incident.
3. Report the assault to Uber: Notify Uber through their app or safety line. This creates a documented complaint.
4. Preserve evidence: Save your ride receipt, screenshots of the driver’s profile, any communications, and photographs of injuries.
5. Avoid giving recorded statements: Do not speak with Uber’s insurance representatives without legal counsel present.
6. Contact an attorney at John Foy & Associates: The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better protected your rights will be.

Get a Free Consultation With a Sexual Assault Lawyer in Georgia Today

Now you know how long you have to file an Uber sexual assault claim in Georgia. But what do you do with that information, and how can you give yourself a chance to make that deadline? At John Foy & Associates, we represent survivors of Uber sexual assault throughout Georgia with compassion, discretion, and aggressive legal advocacy.

Our attorneys have extensive experience taking on large corporations like Uber, and we are not afraid to go to trial when necessary to secure the justice our clients deserve. With over $1 billion recovered for injured Georgians, we have the resources and the track record to fight for you.

Time is limited. Georgia’s two-year statute of limitations means you cannot afford to wait. Contact John Foy & Associates today for a free, confidential consultation. There are no fees unless we win your case. Visit our FAQ page to learn more.