The trauma associated with a sexual assault can be long-lasting and have a profound effect on a person’s life.
The psychological effects of a sexual assault can include feelings of shock, disbelief, confusion, guilt, shame, fear, and anxiety. Victims may also struggle with feelings of mistrust and helplessness. They may experience intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance of activities or places that may trigger reminders of the assault. Additionally, victims may have difficulty concentrating, have trouble falling asleep, and may have a heightened startle response.
Victims may also experience physical symptoms such as pain, headaches, stomach problems, and disrupted eating patterns. They may also suffer from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, victims of sexual assault are at an increased risk for self-harm, suicide, and substance abuse.
According to the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men will experience unwanted sexual contact in their life. Unfortunately, many people are sexually abused while using a rideshare service. Uber and Lyft sometimes perform minimal background checks for their drivers, and in some instances, they have allowed dangerous drivers to ferry people around town.
Each year, women are sexually assaulted or raped by rideshare drivers, and many go unreported. Some victims of sexual assault feel shame or embarrassment and decide not to make the incident public. While we understand why this happens, it does not help the situation and it allows a guilty person to continue to prey on other unsuspecting passengers.
If you are a victim of sexual assault, you are not alone. There is help and guidance available. If you have been involved in a sexual assault at the hands of an Uber driver, call the Arizona Uber sexual assault lawyers at Torgenson Law for a free, confidential consultation.
In Arizona, the criminal justice system has harsh penalties for those who commit sexual assault. However, this may seem like little comfort for actual victims. Many times, victims of sexual assault have long-lasting emotional and psychological trauma.
It is important for victims of sexual assault to receive the help and support they need to heal and move forward. With the right support, victims can learn to cope with their trauma and ultimately find peace and healing.
Ridesharing is one of the most popular methods of transportation in Arizona, and as such, the state has its own set of laws and regulations regarding the industry. These laws are designed to ensure the safety of both passengers and drivers and to ensure that rideshare companies provide reliable and quality service to their customers.
For starters, ridesharing companies in Arizona must obtain the proper licensing from the Arizona Department of Transportation to operate in the state. This licensing process is designed to verify that the company is compliant with the state’s safety regulations and meets the minimum requirements for a ridesharing service.
In addition, Arizona requires all ridesharing companies to carry comprehensive insurance coverage to protect both the driver and passengers. Companies are required to carry at least $1 million in liability coverage, as well as $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage is designed to help both parties in the event of an accident or confrontation incident.
Probably the most important part of Arizona law is that ridesharing companies in Arizona must also perform background checks on all their drivers. These background checks must be conducted at least once a year and must include a review of the driver’s driving record, criminal history, and any other relevant information. However, as with many companies, those with criminal histories slip through the cracks, and rideshare companies are especially vulnerable.
Lastly, Arizona also has regulations regarding the use of in-vehicle cameras. Although companies are required to obtain the consent of the passenger before using any in-vehicle cameras, some drivers have cameras on the entire time. If you have been a victim of sexual assault, there may be a chance the incident was caught on camera. Our lawyers will investigate the incident to determine if any footage of the incident exists.
The criminal justice system in Arizona does have harsh penalties in place for perpetrators of sexual assault. However, for sexual assault victims, this is little comfort. These victims have to deal with more than the immediate medical treatment related to their assault. They will have to deal with a lifetime of fear, anxiety, and depression.
Sexual assault is one of the most traumatic experiences a person can go through, and those who have been assaulted deserve justice. Depending on the circumstances of the case, victims of sexual assault may be entitled to compensation for their suffering. In a sexual assault case, damages can be awarded for a host of harms experienced by the victim, including physical and emotional pain, medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with the traumatic experience.
Physical damages may be awarded for physical pain and suffering experienced by a victim of sexual assault. This includes physical injuries, such as lacerations, bruises, and internal injuries, as well as any medical bills related to the assault. Victims may also be entitled to compensation for the emotional anguish they experienced as a result of the assault. This includes trauma, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues that may have resulted from the assault.
Victims of sexual assault may also be entitled to damages for lost wages. This includes lost wages due to time taken off from work for medical appointments, counseling, and other treatments. Additionally, victims ask for damages for lost earning capacity, if the assault has had an impact on their ability to work or pursue their educational goals.
This refers to the types of compensation that are relatively calculable in the aftermath of an accident. By gathering bills and receipts that come in after the incident, a victim and their lawyer can work properly to calculate the following:
This refers to the types of compensation available after an incident that are more immeasurable than the economic damages mentioned above. We say immeasurable because there are no direct bills or receipts able to calculate:
In addition to physical and economic damages, victims of sexual assault may be entitled to punitive damages. These damages are awarded to punish the perpetrator and deter them from similar behavior in the future. Additionally, it’s possible for victims to collect non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, inconvenience, and loss of enjoyment of life.
The amount of damages awarded in a sexual assault case can vary greatly depending on the facts of the case. Our experienced Arizona Uber sexual assault lawyers can help victims of sexual assault understand their legal options and determine the amount of compensation they may be entitled to.
Those who have suffered from sexual assault should not hesitate to seek legal help in order to ensure they get the justice they deserve. We can start with a free case evaluation and help you decide which steps to take next. Call 602-726-0747 or reach out to us online today.