For years, Uber has promoted itself as a safe and convenient alternative to driving. But recent investigations, consumer advocacy reports, and new legal developments raise serious questions about how much accountability the company actually takes when riders are injured, assaulted, or left without meaningful legal protection.

A coalition of consumer advocates, trial attorneys, and journalists including Consumer Watchdog and The New York Times are sounding the alarm. Their findings center on three urgent issues:

• Inadequate background checks for Uber drivers
• A disturbing pattern of reported sexual assaults, one nearly every eight minutes
• A proposed California ballot measure that could dramatically limit injured victims’ rights

At the same time, Uber is accelerating plans to deploy tens of thousands of robotaxis across California even as safety and accountability questions remain unresolved.

This post breaks down what’s happening, why it matters, and what California riders should know.

Consumer Watchdog: Uber’s Background Check System “Built to Fail”

In late 2025, Consumer Watchdog President Jamie Court highlighted serious flaws in how Uber screens its drivers, citing a major New York Times investigation. [consumerwatchdog.org], [survivorsrights.com]

What Uber Currently Does

Uber relies on a third‑party service, Checkr, which:

• Reviews DMV records and criminal history
• Generally looks back only seven years
• Does not require fingerprint‑based background checks (Live Scan)
• Typically completes screening in 3–7 business days

Why Advocates Say That’s Not Enough

Consumer Watchdog reports documented cases where:

• Individuals used stolen identities to become Uber drivers
• Drivers with multiple DUIs were approved
• A driver with a serious driving record was later involved in a fatal crash [consumerwatchdog.org]

Jamie Court has stated that Uber has the technology and financial resources to conduct more thorough checks, including FBI‑level fingerprint screening, but has declined to do so because speed and cost are prioritized over safety.

As one news reporter noted on CBS Los Angeles, volunteers working at a child’s school are required to undergo Live Scan fingerprinting, yet rideshare drivers transporting strangers late at night are not. [youtube.com]

“Every 8 Minutes”: The Alarming Reality Behind Uber Assault Reports

A separate but deeply related concern involves sexual assaults during Uber rides.

According to data revealed by The New York Times, Uber received a report of sexual assault or sexual misconduct in the United States almost every eight minutes between 2017 and 2022 more than 400,000 reports. [consumerwatchdog.org], [consumerwatchdog.org]

In response, consumer advocates launched the “Every 8 Minutes” campaign, placing billboards across California to raise public awareness. [consumerwatchdog.org]

Key Findings Highlighted by the Campaign

Investigations found that Uber:

• Allowed some drivers to remain active after prior misconduct reports
• Declined stronger safety measures that could jeopardize its independent‑contractor business model
• Did not implement available tools that internal data suggested could reduce assaults [every8minutes.com], [prnewswire.com]

Consumer Watchdog has linked these failures directly to lax background checks and limited accountability.

A New Ballot Measure: Why Advocates Call It a “License to Kill”

At the same time that these safety concerns persist, Uber is backing a California ballot initiative that could significantly change what happens after a car accident—not just for Uber passengers, but for all crash victims statewide.

What the Proposed Measure Would Do

According to CalMatters, Consumer Watchdog, and the Associated Press, the initiative would:

• Cap attorney contingency fees and medical liens together
• Limit how medical damages are calculated, often tying them to Medicare rates
• Make it harder for injured people to obtain legal representation
• Apply to all car accident cases, not just Uber crashes 

Consumer Watchdog warns this would shift costs from corporations to:

• Injured victims
• Healthcare providers
• Taxpayers via Medicare and Medi‑Cal

Critics argue the measure reduces accountability at the exact moment Uber is expanding into higher‑risk autonomous vehicle operations.

Uber’s Robotaxi Push: Faster Expansion, Fewer Safeguards?

In March 2026, The Wall Street Journal and other outlets reported that Uber plans to invest up to $1.25 billion to deploy up to 50,000 robotaxis using Rivian vehicles in cities including Los Angeles and San Francisco. 

Consumer advocates say the timing is concerning:

• Autonomous fleets are still developing and do not have enough experience
• Liability rules are being rewritten
• Human oversight is being reduced

As Jamie Court has warned, limiting legal responsibility while introducing new technology creates dangerous incentives.

Q & A: What California Riders Are Asking

 Does Uber perform fingerprint background checks on drivers?

No. Uber does not require FBI or Live Scan fingerprinting, despite such checks being required for many childcare, school, and volunteer positions.

How often are sexual assaults reported in Uber rides?

Internal data revealed Uber received reports of sexual assault or misconduct nearly every eight minutes between 2017 and 2022.

What is the “Every 8 Minutes” campaign?

A public awareness effort launched by consumer and legal advocacy groups to highlight Uber’s assault data and failure to enact stronger protections.

What happens if Uber’s ballot measure passes?

Injured Californians may find it harder to:

• Recover full medical costs
• Hire an attorney
• Hold large corporations accountable after accidents

Are robotaxis already operating in California?

Testing and pilot programs are ongoing. Uber plans large‑scale deployment beginning in San Francisco and Los Angeles starting in 2028.

What You Can Do

• Stay informed before signing ballot petitions
• Verify drivers and use in‑app safety features
• Document everything if an incident occurs
• Speak with a lawyer early if you’re injured or assaulted

Consumer Watchdog is also promoting a competing ballot effort that would require significantly stronger background checks for rideshare drivers before they’re approved.

Final Thoughts from Esther Estrada

Technology should never come at the expense of safety or accountability.

As a personal injury attorney, I’ve seen firsthand how injuries change lives. When corporations fight to limit responsibility while expanding risky practices, consumers have the right to ask questions and demand better.

If you or someone you love was injured or assaulted in an Uber ride, you do not have to navigate this alone.

Call Esther The Lawyer for a FREE Consultation at 323‑922‑5086.
Knowledge is power. Accountability matters. And your safety comes first.

Stay connected for legal updates and resources.

Instagram @estherthelawyer and @estradalawgroup

TikTok @estherthelawyer

Sources & Further Reading

• Consumer Watchdog – Uber Background Checks & Safety Campaigns
• Consumer Watchdog – “Every 8 Minutes” Billboard Campaign
• The New York Times – Reporting on Uber Sexual Assault Data
• CalMatters – Uber‑backed Ballot Measure and Legal Impact
• Associated Press – Uber Liability and Political Spending
• The Wall Street Journal – Uber’s $1.25 Billion Robotaxi Investment
• CNBC / Bloomberg / Axios – Robotaxi Expansion and Risk Analysis

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