Uber Faces Second Sexual Assault Trial After $8.5M Verdict

Uber to defend itself in North Carolina federal court against another passenger's claims of driver sexual assault.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:47am

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An extreme close-up of a crumpled rideshare app on a smartphone screen, lit by a harsh, direct flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the serious, investigative nature of this crime-related story.A stark, gritty image capturing the aftermath of an alleged sexual assault, exposing the dark underbelly of the rideshare industry's safety record.Today in Raleigh

Uber is set to face a second federal jury trial over a passenger's claims that she was sexually assaulted by an Uber driver in 2019. This comes after a previous $8.5 million verdict against Uber in an Arizona case, which the company is appealing. The North Carolina trial is considered a 'bellwether' case that could help determine the value of over 3,300 similar lawsuits consolidated against Uber in federal court.

Why it matters

The outcome of this trial could have significant implications for Uber as it faces a deluge of lawsuits over passenger safety and the company's responsibility for the actions of its drivers. The cases raise questions about Uber's classification of drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, which has legal ramifications.

The details

The plaintiff in the North Carolina case claims that in March 2019, an Uber driver grabbed her inner thigh and asked if he could 'keep it with him' after dropping her off in Raleigh around 2 a.m. Uber has not denied the incident occurred but argues it is not liable since drivers are independent contractors, not Uber employees. The trial will be presided over by U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer, who is overseeing the consolidated federal litigation against Uber.

  • The incident occurred in March 2019 in Raleigh, North Carolina.
  • The federal jury trial in Charlotte, North Carolina is expected to begin on Tuesday and last about three weeks.

The players

Uber

A ride-hailing company that has faced numerous safety controversies and legal battles over its classification of drivers as independent contractors rather than employees.

Charles Breyer

The U.S. District Judge presiding over the federal mass litigation against Uber, including this North Carolina trial.

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What’s next

Judge Breyer will rule on Uber's request to throw out the $8.5 million verdict from the previous Arizona trial or order a new trial.

The takeaway

This trial is a high-stakes test case that could set the tone for how Uber handles the deluge of lawsuits it faces over passenger safety and the company's responsibility for driver actions. The outcome could have major implications for Uber's legal strategy and financial exposure going forward.