MDL Track
MDL 3171
N.D. Cal.
Lyft passenger sexual assault
28 pending
Transportation Safety · claims alleging Lyft failed to protect riders from sexual assault and violent incidents
Defendant
Lyft, Inc.
MDL / Track
MDL 3171
N.D. Cal.
Judge
Judge Rita F. Lin
Plaintiffs
roughly 63 pending actions (28 per JPML's March 2, 2026 report, plus ~35 new filings tracked since)
Bellwether / Trial
No verdicts yet
Settlement Status
No settlements reported
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Case overview
MDL 3171 (In re Lyft Sexual Assault Litigation) continues to accumulate individual filings and pretrial rulings across multiple districts, with plaintiffs advancing negligence and products-liability theories against Lyft Inc. In Doe v. Lyft, Inc., 756 F.Supp.3d 1110 (D. Kan. Nov. 1, 2024), the court denied dismissal of a product-liability claim treating Lyft's app as a defective product but granted dismissal of vicarious-liability, fraud, Kansas Consumer Protection Act, and negligence-per-se claims. In J.E. v. Lyft, Inc., No. 1:25-cv-02786-JRR (D. Md. Dec. 11, 2025), Judge Richard D. Bennett granted pseudonymous status to a sexual-assault plaintiff and noted her pending MDL transfer motion. In August 2026, attorneys filed a $50 million North Carolina state-court action on behalf of assault survivor Diamond Cannady and the estates of Andre and Carla Boynton, killed in a high-speed crash, demanding enhanced background checks and in-vehicle monitoring.
Causation Theory
Plaintiffs allege Lyft's driver-verification and account-security failures enable unauthorized individuals to access active driver accounts and assault passengers. In Doe A.F. v. Lyft, Inc., No. 2:23-cv-03990 (E.D. Pa. Oct. 10, 2024), plaintiff discovered her assailant was a rejected applicant who used his own phone number to operate a legitimate driver's account, changed the account location from New York to Philadelphia, and added his own vehicle—driving for six months while Lyft deposited earnings into his account. The 2021 Lyft safety report disclosed 4,000 sexual-assault reports from 2017-2019, including 360 reports of non-consensual sexual penetration and 2,300 reports of non-consensual touching of a sexual body part, with incidents increasing year-over-year. Plaintiffs attribute harm to inadequate biometric verification, absence of in-vehicle video recording, and failure to flag account anomalies such as location changes and mismatched identification photos.
Case Management Orders
Litigation status
MDL 3171 is proceeding before Judge Rita F. Lin in the Northern District of California with active case management. A September 20, 2026 order resolved an ESI protocol dispute (Case No. 3:26-md-03171). The court authorized direct filing via short-form complaint in June 2026, and plaintiffs' leadership was appointed in April 2026.
MDL Track
MDL 3171
N.D. Cal.
Lyft passenger sexual assault
28 pending
State Court Activity
Idaho civil action active as convicted driver seeks new criminal trial (September 2026)
Geographic exposure
MDL 3171 (In re Lyft Sexual Assault Litigation) centralized in N.D. California. Lyft's 2021 disclosure of 4,000+ assault reports 2017-2019 establishes national scope. September 2022 litigation brought 17 coordinated cases across multiple jurisdictions.
West Philadelphia assault by unauthorized driver using account-sharing scheme. Doe A.F. v. Lyft, Inc., 2:23-cv-03990 (E.D. Pa. Oct. 10, 2024). Driver Shariff Abdallah operated for six months after Lyft rejected his application; accessed authorized driver Ntiamoah Brown's account, changed location preference from NYC to Philadelphia, added own vehicle, received direct deposits. Court denied Lyft's motion to dismiss punitive damages claim.
J.E. v. Lyft, Inc., 1:25-cv-02786-JRR (D. Md. Dec. 11, 2025). Plaintiff granted pseudonymity for sexual assault claims; motion to transfer to N.D. California MDL pending before JPML as of October 2025. Claims include negligence, intentional misrepresentation, breach of contract, products liability.
Former driver Stella Grant assaulted by intoxicated passenger August 2020 after identity verification attempt. One of 17 coordinated lawsuits filed September 2022 alleging Lyft failed to protect users. NPR, Sept. 1, 2022.
Passenger Katherine Rasta sexually assaulted June 2021; driver locked doors at destination after unwanted advances during ride. Part of September 2022 litigation wave. NPR, Sept. 1, 2022.
Driver Amy Collins sexually assaulted March 2020. Plaintiff in September 2022 lawsuits seeking systemic safety reforms. NPR, Sept. 1, 2022.
Lyft 2021 safety report: 4,000+ sexual assault reports 2017-2019, including 360 non-consensual sexual penetration and 2,300 non-consensual touching of sexual body part. Instances increased year-over-year. NPR, Sept. 1, 2022.
Key defendants
Lyft, Inc.
Role: Transportation Network Company
Core defendant in newly established MDL before Judge Rita F. Lin in N.D. Cal. (JPML transferred 17+ cases Feb. 2026). In Means, 24-cv-00177, Judge Chesney partially denied dismissal, preserving vicarious liability and common carrier claims despite Florida TNC statute. In Jane Doe A.F., 23-cv-03990, E.D. Pa. dismissed negligent hiring for lack of pre-hire knowledge but left gross negligence and vicarious liability intact. Aggressive 12(b)(6) posture on driver classification and statutory preemption.
| Defendant | Role | Intelligence Note |
|---|---|---|
| Lyft, Inc. | Transportation Network Company | Core defendant in newly established MDL before Judge Rita F. Lin in N.D. Cal. (JPML transferred 17+ cases Feb. 2026). In Means, 24-cv-00177, Judge Chesney partially denied dismissal, preserving vicarious liability and common carrier claims despite Florida TNC statute. In Jane Doe A.F., 23-cv-03990, E.D. Pa. dismissed negligent hiring for lack of pre-hire knowledge but left gross negligence and vicarious liability intact. Aggressive 12(b)(6) posture on driver classification and statutory preemption. |
Timeline
Doe A.F. assault occurs
Plaintiff Jane Doe A.F. allegedly sexually assaulted by Lyft driver during ride established through Lyft app. Incident forms basis of later MDL 3171 tag-along action.
Doe A.F. pseudonym granted
E.D. Pa. Judge Karen S. Marston grants motion to proceed pseudonymously in Doe A.F. v. Lyft, Inc., No. 2:23-cv-03990-KSM, finding sexual assault victim overcame presumption of public identification. Lyft did not oppose.
Doe A.F. claims narrowed at hearing
During oral argument in No. 2:23-cv-03990-KSM, Lyft withdrew motion to dismiss negligence/gross negligence claims; plaintiff withdrew vicarious liability and negligent hiring/training claims. Remaining claims set for ruling.
Doe A.F. products liability claim added
E.D. Pa. Judge Marston permits second amended complaint in No. 2:23-cv-03990-KSM adding strict products liability claim against Lyft app/algorithm. Court previously dismissed negligent misrepresentation with prejudice as to most statements, without prejudice as to two safety representations.
D. Kansas recognizes app-as-product theory
D. Kansas denies dismissal of products liability claim in Doe v. Lyft, Inc., 756 F.Supp.3d 1110, holding Lyft app can be treated as product for liability purposes at pleading stage. Court grants dismissal of vicarious liability, fraud, Kansas Consumer Protection Act, and negligence per se claims.
J.E. files MDL tag-along complaint
Plaintiff J.E. files complaint in D. Maryland, No. 1:25-cv-02786-JRR, alleging sexual assault by Lyft driver and asserting negligence, intentional misrepresentation, breach of contract, and products liability claims. Simultaneously files motion to transfer to MDL 3171.
J.E. pseudonym granted in MDL tag-along
D. Maryland Judge Julie R. Rubin grants motion to proceed pseudonymously in No. 1:25-cv-02786-JRR, noting plaintiff filed motion to transfer to MDL No. 3171 pending before JPML. Court orders sealed filing of true identity.
Statute of limitations
MDL 3171 (Lyft Sexual Assault) consolidated February 5, 2026, per source [4], before N.D. Cal. Choice-of-law conflicts likely on SOL; forum defendant Lyft Inc. headquartered in CA. Federal courts will apply forum state's borrowing statutes where plaintiff resides in short-SOL jurisdiction. Screen for: (1) assault date, (2) plaintiff's residence, (3) ride location, (4) any minority tolling. Lyft aggressively contesting untimeliness — see March 2024 N.D. Cal. motion per Law360 source [5]. Exclude Uber/MDL 3084 materials; exclude derivative securities case No. 20-09257.
California
10 years from assault
Rule: Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 340.16; applies to civil sexual assault claims
Discovery: May be tolled if plaintiff did not immediately realize assault occurred
N.D. Cal. venue for MDL 3171; Lyft motion to dismiss filed March 2024 arguing untimeliness under both CA and FL law. Law360 reports Lyft urging dismissal as 'untimely' under CA law
⚠Florida
2 years from assault
Rule: Fla. Stat. § 95.11; general personal injury SOL applies to civil sexual assault claims
Discovery: Limited exceptions for minors or dependency
Plaintiffs attempting N.D. Cal. filing using CA 10-year SOL; Lyft actively challenging as untimely. Source [2] confirms FL civil sexual assault claims typically time-barred after 2 years
Colorado
No SOL for conduct post-January 1, 2022
Rule: Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-103.8; eliminated civil SOL for sexual assault claims
Retroactivity for pre-2022 claims uncertain per source [1]; confirm legacy claims separately
Maryland
No SOL for child sexual abuse claims
Rule: Md. Cts. & Jud. Proc. Code Ann. § 5-117; upheld retroactively by MD high court 2025
2025 appellate validation of retroactive removal per source [1]; adult claims may differ
Maine
Child claims: previously eliminated SOL struck down for retroactive application
Rule: Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 14, § 752-C; 2025 ME high court invalidated retroactive removal for expired claims
Watch remands; constitutional challenge succeeded on retroactivity grounds per source [1]. Screen carefully for accrual date
New York
Adult: 3 years; Child: until age 55
Rule: N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 213-c (adult); § 208(g) (Child Victims Act extension)
Large plaintiff pool; CVA lookback closed August 2021. Source [4] references NY Lyft-specific counsel
| State | SOL | Rule | Discovery Rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 10 years from assault | Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 340.16; applies to civil sexual assault claims | May be tolled if plaintiff did not immediately realize assault occurred | N.D. Cal. venue for MDL 3171; Lyft motion to dismiss filed March 2024 arguing untimeliness under both CA and FL law. Law360 reports Lyft urging dismissal as 'untimely' under CA law |
| ⚠Florida | 2 years from assault | Fla. Stat. § 95.11; general personal injury SOL applies to civil sexual assault claims | Limited exceptions for minors or dependency | Plaintiffs attempting N.D. Cal. filing using CA 10-year SOL; Lyft actively challenging as untimely. Source [2] confirms FL civil sexual assault claims typically time-barred after 2 years |
| Colorado | No SOL for conduct post-January 1, 2022 | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-103.8; eliminated civil SOL for sexual assault claims | — | Retroactivity for pre-2022 claims uncertain per source [1]; confirm legacy claims separately |
| Maryland | No SOL for child sexual abuse claims | Md. Cts. & Jud. Proc. Code Ann. § 5-117; upheld retroactively by MD high court 2025 | — | 2025 appellate validation of retroactive removal per source [1]; adult claims may differ |
| Maine | Child claims: previously eliminated SOL struck down for retroactive application | Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 14, § 752-C; 2025 ME high court invalidated retroactive removal for expired claims | — | Watch remands; constitutional challenge succeeded on retroactivity grounds per source [1]. Screen carefully for accrual date |
| New York | Adult: 3 years; Child: until age 55 | N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 213-c (adult); § 208(g) (Child Victims Act extension) | — | Large plaintiff pool; CVA lookback closed August 2021. Source [4] references NY Lyft-specific counsel |
Live intelligence
AI litigation brief
Lyft Assault remains early-stage / active mdl with 58 current signals in the accepted feed.
Overview
MDL 3171 is proceeding before Judge Rita F. Lin in the Northern District of California with active case management. A September 20, 2026 order resolved an ESI protocol dispute (Case No. 3:26-md-03171). The court authorized direct filing via short-form complaint in June 2026, and plaintiffs' leadership was appointed in April 2026.
Key developments
Trajectory
Court filings and press coverage are both active in MDL 3171, pointing to sustained litigation pressure rather than a one-off headline cycle. 5 live sources are contributing current context.
Editorial intelligence
MDL 3171 should stay on the lead docket watch because it is the primary consolidation vehicle for Lyft Assault.
Generated Sep 30, 2026, 10:00 AM UTC
58 events detected
Google News (31)
San Francisco "Rideshare Rapist" receives six life sentences for violent sexual assaults - CBS News
Lyft faces civil lawsuit as convicted driver in Boise asks for new jury trial - East Idaho News
Former Lyft driver seeks new trial in kidnapping, rape case citing DNA evidence issues - KTVB
Lyft faces civil lawsuit as convicted driver asks for new jury trial - Idaho News 6
Lyft faces civil lawsuit as convicted driver asks for new jury trial - KIVI-TV
New trial motion filed by Lyft driver convicted of kidnapping, sexual assault - Idaho News 6
New trial motion filed by Lyft driver convicted of kidnapping, sexual assault - KIVI-TV
Idaho woman sues Lyft for 'gross negligence' after being raped by driver - KTVB
Idaho passenger raped by Lyft driver sues the ride-hailing company - The Spokesman-Review
Idaho passenger raped by Lyft driver sues the ride-sharing company - Idaho Statesman
Charlotte woman sues Lyft, alleging inappropriate sexual behavior by her driver - Charlotte Observer
East Bay woman’s Lyft driver locked the doors on her, then attacked, police say - The Mercury News
Lawsuit filed against Lyft after NC mom's alleged sexual assault - AOL.com
New Colorado rideshare safety provisions take effect - coloradosun.com
$50M lawsuit filed against Lyft after Raleigh mother allegedly sexually assaulted - ABC11 News
2 NC cases spark lawsuits against Lyft, alleging negligence in assault, fatal crash - Raleigh News & Observer
Raleigh woman files $50 million lawsuit against Lyft after alleged assault - WRAL
$50M lawsuit filed against NC Lyft after Cary driver arrested for kidnapping, sex assault - CBS 17
New Colorado rideshare safety provisions go into effect this month - Rocky Mountain PBS
As NC Lyft driver faces charges, attorneys point out disturbing number of rideshare assaults - CBS 17
Lyft driver accused of sexual assault in Lewiston to be returned to ICE custody - fox23maine.com
Lyft Driver Charged with Sexually Assaulting Woman in Maine - q961.com
Lyft driver accused of sexually assaulting woman in Lewiston - WGME
Maine Lyft Driver Allegedly Sexually Assaulted Intoxicated Woman - 92moose.fm
Maine Lyft Driver Allegedly Sexually Assaulted Intoxicated Woman - 92 Moose
Lewiston Lyft Driver Charged With Gross Sexual Assault; Court Records Show Recent Release From ICE Custody - The Maine Wire
Lyft driver charged with sexually assaulting woman in Lewiston - Sun Journal
Ohio may soon impose regulations on rideshare companies to help prevent sexual assaults - WKRC
Man arrested, accused of sexually assaulting Lyft driver in midtown Tulsa - fox23.com
Tulsa Police arrest man accused of sexually assaulting Lyft driver - News On 6
Lyft Lawsuit: 18 Key Updates & Payouts (July 2026) - LawFold.com
No recent PubMed signals. Monitoring is active — this section updates automatically.
Lyft Passenger Sex Assault Litigation
PACER docket filed in JPML: Plaintiffs are suing Defendant because they were sexually assaulted, harassed, or attacked by drivers contracted through the Lyft platform. Plaintiffs claim that the use of the Lyft rideshare service and mobile application led to severe physical and psychological trauma. They allege that Lyft failed
Lyft Passenger Sex Assault Litigation
PACER docket entry from CAND: COMPLAINT against Lyft ( Filing fee $ 405, receipt number ACANDC-22512215.). Filed by T. T.. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(Abrams, Rachel) (Filed on 9/25/2026) (Entered: 09/25/2026)
Order Resolving ESI Protocol Dispute
The court resolves a discovery dispute (Dkt. No. 412) over the scope of validation in the ESI protocol, ruling that Plaintiffs' proposed edits to Section 10 are granted, requiring validation of deployed search terms in addition to validation of the TAR process.
Lyft Passenger Sex Assault Litigation
PACER docket entry from CAND: COMPLAINT against Lyft, Inc. ( Filing fee $ 405, receipt number ACANDC-22478570.). Filed by CLF T.G.. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(Rizkalla, Ruth) (Filed on 9/17/2026) (Entered: 09/17/2026)
Lyft Passenger Sex Assault Litigation
PACER docket entry from CAND: COMPLAINT against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 405, receipt number ACANDC-22476989.). Filed by K. P.. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(Abrams, Rachel) (Filed on 9/17/2026) (Entered: 09/17/2026)
Lyft Passenger Sex Assault Litigation
PACER docket entry from CAND: COMPLAINT against Lyft, Inc. ( Filing fee $ 405, receipt number ACANDC-22457272.). Filed by C. B. B.. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(Lang, Taylor) (Filed on 9/14/2026) (Entered: 09/14/2026)
Lyft Passenger Sex Assault Litigation
PACER docket entry from CAND: COMPLAINT against Lyft, Inc. ( Filing fee $ 405, receipt number ACANDC-22454382.). Filed by Jane Roe LS 03. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(Levin, William) (Filed on 9/11/2026) (Entered: 09/11/2026)
Lyft Passenger Sex Assault Litigation
PACER docket entry from CAND: COMPLAINT AND JURY TRIAL DEMAND against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 405, receipt number ACANDC-22426318.). Filed by EM (WHB 0028). (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(Lecocke, Margret) (Filed on 9/4/2026) (Entered: 09/04/2026)
Lyft Passenger Sex Assault Litigation
PACER docket entry from CAND: COMPLAINT AND JURY TRIAL DEMAND against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 405, receipt number ACANDC-22426229.). Filed by EL (WHB 0027). (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(Lecocke, Margret) (Filed on 9/4/2026) (Entered: 09/04/2026)
Lyft Passenger Sex Assault Litigation
PACER docket entry from CAND: COMPLAINT AND JURY TRIAL DEMAND against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 405, receipt number ACANDC-22426138.). Filed by AK (WHB 0026). (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(Lecocke, Margret) (Filed on 9/4/2026) (Entered: 09/04/2026)
No recent legislative signals. Monitoring is active — this section updates automatically.
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LexGenius Ranking
73Score
Court, news, and regulatory activity are elevated
Monitoring
Live
monitoring
Last: Sep 30, 2026, 10:00 AM UTC
Next: —
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PACER
PACER
Google News
PubMed
Event feed
58
events detected
AI Brief
Lyft Assault remains early-stage / active mdl with 58 current signals in the accepted feed.
Overview
MDL 3171 is proceeding before Judge Rita F. Lin in the Northern District of California with active case management. A September 20, 2026 order resolved an ESI protocol dispute (Case No. 3:26-md-03171). The court authorized direct filing via short-form complaint in June 2026, and plaintiffs' leadership was appointed in April 2026.
Key developments
PACER court filing on Dec 31: Lyft Passenger Sex Assault Litigation. ‖ CBS News news on Sep 15: San Francisco "Rideshare Rapist" receives six life sentences for violent sexual assaults - CBS News.
Generated Sep 30, 2026, 10:00 AM UTC
Tracked MDLs
MDL 3171
N.D. Cal.
Lyft passenger sexual assault