A recent report from CBS News Chicago has once again brought rideshare safety concerns into sharp focus. In the early hours of September 1, 2025, a 29-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in Chicago’s River West neighborhood while traveling in a gray Toyota Prius operated by a rideshare driver. The assault occurred in the 800 block of West Superior Street, near the Bally’s Chicago casino construction site, at approximately 2:30 a.m. According to police, the woman had booked the ride as a passenger, but instead of arriving safely at her destination, she was a victim of a violent crime that no rider should ever have to endure.
Authorities reported that the driver attempted to flee the scene immediately after the assault. In his escape attempt, he crashed into a pole, disabling the vehicle. Police quickly took him into custody. The victim was transported to St. Mary of Nazareth Hospital, where she received medical care and began the challenging journey toward recovery.
This case has drawn significant attention not only because of its severity but also because it reflects a disturbing trend of rideshare-related assaults in Chicago and across the country. Just last summer, two women were assaulted by individuals posing as rideshare drivers. These repeated incidents highlight serious gaps in rideshare companies’ safety protocols, raising questions about how effectively drivers are vetted and monitored.
The vehicle involved in this latest assault was leased through EZ Leasing Cars, which confirmed to CBS Chicago that it is fully cooperating with the investigation. The company has also provided video footage from inside the car to assist law enforcement. While the leasing company has taken steps to support investigators, legal experts stress that ultimate responsibility lies with the rideshare platforms themselves. As Bryant Greening of LegalRideshare, the first U.S. law firm devoted exclusively to Uber, Lyft, and rideshare-related claims, explained: “Ultimately, it falls on the companies to make sure they are putting safe drivers on the road.”
Greening also offered practical safety recommendations for passengers in light of the River West case. Riders should double-check license plates before entering a vehicle, exchange a brief conversation with the driver to confirm identity, and always trust their instincts. “Those senses we have that something seems slightly off? They’re usually right,” Greening noted. He encouraged passengers to avoid entering a rideshare if something feels wrong and to contact the police or a trusted friend immediately if concerns arise during the ride.
The case underscores critical questions about what more rideshare companies should be doing to protect passengers. Are these assaults isolated failures, or do they reflect systemic negligence in monitoring and removing unsafe drivers? As Greening pointed out, if prior complaints or warning signs existed, then companies had the opportunity to intervene sooner. Failing to do so places riders at unacceptable risk and exposes companies to liability for corporate negligence.
Protecting Survivors and Demanding Accountability
At LegalRideshare, we believe that survivors of rideshare assaults deserve more than compassion — they deserve justice and accountability. Our attorneys work tirelessly to hold rideshare companies responsible when they fail to safeguard their passengers. Survivors may be entitled to compensation for medical treatment, therapy, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Just as importantly, legal action helps force rideshare corporations to adopt stricter safety measures and prevent future tragedies.
For nearly a decade, we have been the trusted advocate for passengers and drivers harmed by the shortcomings of the rideshare industry. We have successfully represented clients in cases involving assault, accidents, and corporate negligence in Chicago and across the nation.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of a rideshare assault, you do not have to face this battle alone. Our team is here to protect your rights, pursue justice, and fight for the accountability you deserve.
Contact LegalRideshare today for a free consultation. Together, we can demand accountability and advocate for safer rideshare practices that protect every passenger on the road.