Uber Executive Admits Company Has “Not Done Enough” to Prevent Sexual Assaults in its Vehicles

In the closely watched federal bellwether trial over Uber’s sexual assault liability, an Uber executive admitted that the company had fallen short on protecting passenger safety.

During the multidistrict litigation involving thousands of cases, Uber’s Chief Product Officer, Sachin Kansal, denied that the company intentionally delayed safety measures. However, at the same time, he conceded that Uber has “not done enough” to prevent sexual assault in its vehicles, adding that “there’s a lot more that we have to do,” according to the New York Times.

The acknowledgement highlights concerns regarding whether the rideshare company adequately protected passengers despite years of reported assaults.

Background of the bellwether case

Kansal’s “not done enough” testimony occurred during a three-week federal trial that served as an early bellwether case in the Uber sexual assault multidistrict litigation. Bellwether trials help courts and parties evaluate how juries respond to evidence and arguments across multiple similar claims.

This case involved Jaylynn Dean. In November 2023, at age 19, Dean alleged she was sexually assaulted by an Uber driver in Arizona. After celebrating passing her test to become a flight attendant, Dean took an Uber from her boyfriend’s home to her hotel. During the ride, Dean stated that her driver asked her harassing questions before stopping the vehicle and raping her.

Dean sued Uber one month later, claiming that Uber knew of sexual assaults committed by its drivers but failed to take reasonable actions to improve safety.

Jury verdict and ongoing litigation

On February 6, 2026, the court entered judgment ordering Uber to pay $8.5 million to Dean following a federal jury verdict.

Ultimately, the jurors in Dean’s case determined Uber could be held liable under a theory of apparent agency, meaning that Dean reasonably believed her driver was acting on Uber’s behalf, despite the fact that Uber drivers are classified as independent contractors.

The driver was not criminally charged in connection with the civil case, according to available reports, nor was he named in the lawsuit.

Thousands of Uber sexual assault cases remain pending nationwide. As the first bellwether trial in the federal multidistrict litigation, the Dean verdict may help gauge claims for possible future settlements.

Contact the Hickey Law Firm

Uber’s sexual assault cases can be complex. Having the right legal team matters. At Hickey Law Firm, we represent clients in serious personal injury cases involving rape, sexual assault, assault, sexual battery, and battery. And we go to trial to hold corporations like Uber, Lyft, the cruise lines, apartment and condo buildings, and others accountable.

If you or a loved one was raped, sexually assaulted, sexually battered, assaulted, or battered during an Uber ride, Lyft ride, or other rideshare ride you have legal options. Call us today. Hickey Law Firm. Always get a free consultation.