Uber Faces Second Federal Trial Over Driver Sex Assault Claims

Previous $8.5M verdict in Arizona case looms over new North Carolina lawsuit

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:12am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a car door handle, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic around a crime-related object.A harsh flash illuminates the unsettling details of an alleged assault, exposing the vulnerabilities of Uber's passenger safety record.Today in Raleigh

Uber is set to face a second federal trial in North Carolina over a passenger's claims that she was sexually assaulted by one of the company's drivers in 2019. The case comes on the heels of an $8.5 million verdict against Uber in a similar lawsuit in Arizona, which the company is seeking to overturn. The North Carolina trial is one of over 3,300 consolidated lawsuits accusing Uber of failing to protect passengers from driver misconduct.

Why it matters

These trials serve as bellwethers that could help determine the value and potential settlement of the remaining lawsuits against Uber over passenger safety. The company has long argued that its drivers are independent contractors, not employees, which could impact its legal liability. The outcome of these cases could have wide-ranging implications for Uber's business model and approach to passenger safety.

The details

The North Carolina plaintiff claims that in March 2019, her Uber driver grabbed her inner thigh and made an inappropriate comment as she was being dropped off in Raleigh. Uber has not denied the incident occurred but argues it is a software company, not a 'common carrier' with a duty to protect passengers. The trial will be presided over by U.S. District Court Judge Charles Breyer, who also oversaw the previous $8.5 million verdict against Uber in Arizona.

  • The North Carolina trial is scheduled to begin on April 14, 2026 and is expected to last about three weeks.
  • In February 2026, a federal jury in Arizona awarded $8.5 million in compensatory damages to a plaintiff in a similar case against Uber.

The players

Uber

A ride-hailing company that has faced numerous safety controversies and lawsuits over alleged sexual assaults by its drivers.

Charles Breyer

The U.S. District Court Judge presiding over the North Carolina trial as well as the previous $8.5 million verdict against Uber in Arizona.

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What’s next

Judge Breyer is expected to rule on Uber's request to throw out the $8.5 million verdict in the Arizona case or order a new trial.

The takeaway

These trials highlight the ongoing legal battles Uber faces over passenger safety and the company's classification of drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. The outcomes could significantly impact Uber's liability and business model going forward.