Uber Faces Growing Legal Pressure Over Passenger Safety

Malcolm L. MacGregor | April 29, 2026 | Rideshare Accidents

A recent jury decision in North Carolina has increased pressure on Uber to better protect its passengers. This case is the company’s second loss in a row in early “bellwether” trials. These are test cases that help show how juries might decide similar lawsuits. Right now, Uber is facing more than 3,000 lawsuits across the country involving claims of sexual assault and misconduct.

These early cases don’t decide the outcome of other lawsuits, but they give an idea of how future cases may go. For Uber, these losses suggest growing legal risks and more pressure to improve safety.

Details of the North Carolina Case

The North Carolina case involved Brianna Mensing, who said an Uber driver sexually assaulted her during a late-night ride in 2019. She testified that the driver touched her upper inner thigh and made an inappropriate request at the end of the trip. She was 23 at the time.

Uber’s lawyers tried to question her credibility. They argued that she didn’t report the incident until she filed the lawsuit and pointed to her past struggles with substance abuse. Even so, the jury ruled that Uber was responsible.

The jury awarded Mensing $5,000, which is lower than in some other cases. However, the important part is the decision itself. It shows that a jury was willing to hold Uber accountable, even with a smaller payout.

A Pattern in Early Trial Results

This case follows another verdict in February in Phoenix, where a jury awarded $8.5 million to a woman who said she was raped by an Uber driver. That case was chosen by the plaintiffs. The North Carolina case, on the other hand, was chosen by Uber, likely because the company believed it had a stronger defense.

Even so, Uber still lost.

Legal experts say that when a company loses a case it selected, it may show weaknesses in its arguments. Bellwether trials are meant to test both sides, and early results often affect settlement talks and legal strategies in other cases.

Questions About Uber’s Responsibility

Uber has said that 99.9% of rides in the U.S. happen without any problems. However, critics argue that even a small percentage of incidents can mean many victims because so many people use the app.

These lawsuits raise questions about what Uber should do to keep riders safe. Plaintiffs argue that the company should improve driver background checks, monitor rides more closely, and respond faster to complaints. Whether Uber has done enough is a key issue in these cases.

Why Survivor Testimony Matters

For many people filing these lawsuits, the goal is not just money—it’s also about being heard. Mensing said she was afraid people wouldn’t believe her, which is a common concern for survivors of sexual assault.

By speaking out, she and others hope to hold companies accountable and push for change. Jury decisions like this can help validate survivors’ experiences and encourage others to come forward.

What This Means for Personal Injury Cases

These lawsuits show how companies like Uber can be held responsible for harm caused by drivers using their platform. Many of these cases involve claims that Uber failed to properly screen drivers or put strong safety measures in place.

Victims may be able to recover compensation for emotional distress, physical injuries, and long-term effects. Because these cases can be complicated, it’s important to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Contact a Scranton Uber Accident Lawyer at McDonald & MacGregor, LLC for a Free Consultation 

As thousands of cases move forward, these early trial results may shape how future claims are handled. For riders, they highlight an important point: when companies fail to protect users, legal action can help bring accountability and change.

If you or someone you love was harmed during a rideshare trip, you don’t have to handle it alone. Contact a Scranton Uber accident lawyer at McDonald & MacGregor, LLC for a free consultation to learn about your rights and options.

We proudly serve Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, Luzerne County, Lackawanna County, and surrounding areas.

McDonald & MacGregor, LLC
220 Penn Ave Suite 320, Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 209-7062