15-Year-Old Houston Girl Raped by Uber Driver during Ride
According to KHOU 11, a young girl was sexually assaulted by her Houston-based Uber driver after ordering a ride through the application.
49-year-old Leonel Medina Sentmanat has been charged with sexual assault of a minor, following the May 12th incident.
Initially, the victim ordered an Uber to the Dollar Store but was alternatively taken to a dead end, where Sentmanat forced himself on her and would not allow her to exit the car. Police were notified after the passenger's mother called in the report.
The victim was taken to Texas Children’s Hospital for an exam that validated her story. In addition, Sentmanat confessed to his crime and was identified in a lineup by the young girl.
Legal Options of Victims Sexually Assaulted in a Ride Share
Attorney contributor Anjali Nigam, an experienced sexual assault lawyer, has assisted numerous
victims who were sexually assaulted in rideshares. Below, we asked Anjali to unload some of his experiences regarding the legal options of victims sexually assaulted by drivers who work for rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft:
"Technology-based rideshare companies must do their best to protect their customers above all else. Yet, passengers are at risk of being assaulted if a sexual predator is permitted to drive them to their destination through a rideshare application."
"A legal obligation that must be at the forefront of rideshare companies' minds, like Uber and Lyft, is protecting passengers and customers at all times. Detailed background checks of drivers and mandatory cameras inside vehicles, where the driver and passengers can be seen, are essential to the security of patrons and those trusting the organizations with their well-being. In some cases, Uber and Lyft can be deemed negligent in a civil lawsuit when security is not up to par. Cases involving negligence can bring upon grounds for a civil lawsuit and compensation for damages for victims of sexual assault within rideshare programs."
Sources:
KHOU 11
info@legalherald.com