Lawsuit Claims Lyft Driver Followed and Raped Passenger in Florida
In a shocking lawsuit filed in federal court in California, a Florida woman, Tabatha Means, has come forward with disturbing allegations against a Lyft driver, claiming that he followed her into her home and subjected her to repeated rape, resulting in a traumatic pregnancy and premature birth. The lawsuit, which highlights what her attorney, Rachel Abrams, refers to as a “full-blown sexual predator crisis” within the ride-hailing company, sheds light on the harrowing experiences survivors face and raises serious concerns about Lyft’s safety measures.
Means, who had previously survived sexual abuse as a child, recounted the horrifying incident that took place on April 28, 2019. After requesting a Lyft ride through the app while intoxicated, Means found herself in a distressing situation. The driver allegedly made inappropriate comments, complimenting her appearance and expressing disbelief that she was alone. Feeling uncomfortable, Means hurriedly sought to end the ride as she wasn’t feeling well.
Upon arriving home, the situation took a dark turn. The driver, instead of ending the ride, followed Means into her residence, where he assaulted her. The lawsuit claims that the Lyft driver not only violated her physically but also impregnated her. DNA tests subsequently confirmed that her assailant was the biological father of her child.
Means, who initially refrained from reporting the incident due to fear of not being believed, decided to speak out against Lyft, accusing the company of negligence, intentional and negligent misrepresentation, infliction of emotional distress, and breach of contract. The lawsuit seeks damages exceeding $75,000.
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Rachel Abrams, Means’ attorney, argues that Lyft’s background checks on drivers are insufficient, its ride monitoring is lacking, and the absence of mandatory dash cameras contributes to a dangerous environment. Abrams claims that Lyft has marketed itself aggressively, especially to young women, as a safe alternative for intoxicated individuals. However, the disturbing allegations reveal a systemic failure in ensuring passenger safety.
Lyft responded to the allegations, stating that the incident did not occur on the Lyft platform or during the Lyft app ride, emphasizing their commitment to safety. The company mentioned their dedicated safety response team, collaboration with ADT for emergencies, and ongoing efforts to enhance platform safety. Despite their assurances, the disturbing litany of complaints against Lyft continues to grow.
This lawsuit comes on the heels of numerous legal complaints against Lyft, including over a dozen cases involving allegations of sexual and physical assault by both passengers and drivers. The mounting legal challenges underscore the urgent need for ride-hailing companies to prioritize safety measures and address the vulnerability of their users.
Tabatha Means, now a mother grappling with the aftermath of the assault, shared her ongoing struggle, stating, “Every day is a struggle. I’m still working to process this trauma, and at the same time, I need to be a mom to my amazing children, including my youngest whose biological father was my Lyft driver-rapist.” Her courage in coming forward highlights the imperative for Lyft and other ride-hailing platforms to reevaluate their safety protocols to prevent further instances of such heinous crimes.
