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
17 pending
Bellwether / Trial
No verdicts yet
Settlement Status
No settlements reported
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Case overview
MDL 3171, In re Lyft Inc. Passenger Sexual Assault Litigation, consolidates personal injury claims by Lyft passengers alleging sexual assault by drivers. The litigation centers on Lyft's alleged failure to implement adequate safety measures despite knowledge of assault risks dating to 2015. On March 13, 2026, Lieff Cabraser filed a new federal complaint in the Northern District of California on behalf of Jane Doe, alleging assault by a Lyft driver in December 2024 and asserting claims for negligence, negligent hiring/retention/supervision, common carrier negligence, and product liability design defect.
Causation Theory
Plaintiffs allege Lyft's business model creates foreseeable assault risk through inadequate driver screening and monitoring. Lyft's 2024 Safety Transparency Report documented 2,651 reports of serious sexual assault between 2020-2022. Causation theory centers on systemic failures: insufficient background checks allowing drivers with prior complaints or criminal records to operate; failure to remove culpable drivers; and absence of real-time monitoring or intervention protocols. The U.S. Government Accountability Office has reviewed rideshare assault data, confirming gaps in safety oversight.
Case Management Orders
Litigation status
The JPML established MDL 3171 on February 5, 2026, consolidating federal Lyft passenger sexual assault litigation before Judge Rita F. Lin in the Northern District of California. The MDL currently comprises at least 17 cases previously scattered across 10 district courts; pretrial coordination is now underway with bellwether trials anticipated for late 2026 or early 2027.
MDL Track
MDL 3171
N.D. Cal.
Lyft passenger sexual assault
28 pending
State Court Activity
1,971 cases consolidated in California JCCP No. 5061, with substantial discovery completed; 1,569 cases involve out-of-state incidents
Geographic exposure
Lyft disclosed 6,809 sexual assault reports 2017-2022; no data released 2012-2017 or post-2022. Company relies on name-based background checks via Checkr, Inc. — no fingerprinting except NYC. MDL 3171 now accepting filings; Georgia plaintiff A.T. joined January 2026.
Dallas-area passenger assaulted by driver Hamidreza Farahbakhshsadeh, who had prior sexual misconduct complaints but remained active on platform until arrest; convicted January 2025, sentenced to 12 years. Separate San Antonio incident March 25, 2023 involving driver Rafael C. — case CGC-25-623042, Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, Judge Austin Lam presiding.
Plaintiff Tabatha Means, Florida resident, repeatedly raped by Lyft driver paired through app — federal complaint filed N.D. Cal. January 9, 2024, case pending San Francisco Division.
Plaintiff A.T. sexually assaulted September 8, 2025 after ordering Lyft to friend's house — complaint filed N.D. Cal. January 14, 2026, added to MDL 3171 pool.
Somerville incident August 2025: driver Luis Carlos Ramos Teixeira charged with allegedly sexually assaulting female passenger.
State lawmaker allegedly sexually assaulted by driver Mukhammadali Mukadyrov February 2024; charges filed.
NYC sole jurisdiction mandating fingerprint-based background checks for Lyft drivers; September 2019 lawsuit alleged kidnapping at gunpoint by driver with two accomplices.
January 2023: driver Qandagha Raufi, 32, charged with first-degree sexual abuse, third-degree kidnapping, misdemeanor sexual misconduct for alleged assault of passenger.
Lyft Sexual Assault MDL established N.D. Cal. San Francisco Division; centralized federal litigation for passenger assault claims. Company headquarters at 185 Berry Street, San Francisco — venue for state court mass tort active six years.
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
Means v. Lyft Federal Complaint Filed
Tabatha Means files federal complaint in N.D. Cal. alleging repeated rape by Lyft driver, asserting common carrier liability and negligent hiring claims. Case cites Lyft's awareness of driver sexual assaults since 2015.
MDL Motion Filed with JPML
Plaintiffs file motion to establish Lyft sexual assault MDL, seeking consolidation of federal cases pending nationwide.
JPML Hears Oral Argument on MDL
U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation hears oral arguments on Lyft MDL motion, with Lyft filing opposition.
JPML Issues Transfer Order
JPML issues Notice of Transfer establishing MDL 3171, consolidating Lyft sexual assault cases for coordinated pretrial proceedings.
MDL 3171 Assigned to Judge Lin
MDL 3171 formally assigned to U.S. District Judge Rita F. Lin in Northern District of California, San Francisco. At least 20 cases pending in 10 district courts centralized.
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 31 current signals in the accepted feed.
Overview
The JPML established MDL 3171 on February 5, 2026, consolidating federal Lyft passenger sexual assault litigation before Judge Rita F. Lin in the Northern District of California. The MDL currently comprises at least 17 cases previously scattered across 10 district courts; pretrial coordination is now underway with bellwether trials anticipated for late 2026 or early 2027.
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 Jun 13, 2026, 9:00 AM UTC
31 events detected
Google News (20)
Lyft drivers have to complete safety training if they want to pick up passengers - Mashable
‘It’s Following Me No Matter What, So I Have to Make Meaning of It’ - The Cut
Nachawati Law Group Partner Appointed to Leadership Committee in Lyft Sexual Assault MDL - citybiz
Lyft driver gets jail time after taking nude photo of unconscious passenger - WCVB
Motley Rice files suit vs. Lyft: Rideshare co. in crosshairs over assault claims - Post and Courier
Colorado lawmaker pushes revised rideshare safety bill after Polis veto - The Colorado Sun
Rideshare assault report renews calls for tougher driver screening and accountability - WCIV
Colorado lawmaker trying again for rideshare safety policy after original bill vetoed - Colorado Public Radio
Lyft driver executed by rider using fake ID, company let gig workers be targets: Lawsuit - Law and Crime News
Rizkalla Appointed to Plaintiff's Steering Committee in Lyft Passenger Sex Assault MDL - PR Newswire
Will Sexual-Assault Safety Lawsuits and MDL Scrutiny Change Lyft's (LYFT) Passenger-First Narrative? - Yahoo Finance
Federal Lyft Assault Lawsuits Consolidated Into MDL Might Change The Case For Investing In Lyft (LYFT) - Sahm
Cary Lyft driver Ryan James Davey charged with kidnapping, sexual battery after assault on passenger - ABC11 News
Cary Lyft driver Ryan James Davey charged with kidnapping, sexual battery after assault on passenger - ABC11 Raleigh-Durham
'I feel violated:' Rider describes attack that led to arrest of Lyft driver - WRAL
Roopal Luhana Appointed Co-Lead Counsel in Lyft Passenger Sexual Assault MDL, Reinforcing Chaffin Luhana's Leadership in Complex Litigation - PRWeb
Roopal Luhana Appointed Co-Lead Counsel in Lyft Passenger Sexual Assault MDL, Reinforcing Chaffin Luhana's Leadership in Complex Litigation - prweb.com
Woman sues Lyft, driver, claiming she was sexually assaulted during PBC ride - cw34.com
Woman sues Lyft, driver, claiming she was sexually assaulted during PBC ride - WPEC
Woman sues Lyft, driver, claiming she was sexually assaulted during PBC ride - WPEC
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: **DISREGARD FILED IN ERROR** COMPLAINT R.R. against Lyft, Inc. ( Filing fee $ 405, receipt number ACANDC-22084629.). Filed by R.R.. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(Luhana, Roopal) (Filed on 6/10/2026) Modified on 6/10/2026 (kab, COURT STAFF). (Entered: 06/10/2026)
Lyft Passenger Sex Assault Litigation
PACER docket entry from CAND: COMPLAINT against Lyft, Inc. ( Filing fee $ 405, receipt number ACANDC-22067951.). Filed by JANE SL104. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(Goodman, Elana) (Filed on 6/5/2026) (Entered: 06/05/2026)
In Re: Lyft, Inc. Passenger Sexual Assault Litigation
govinfo_search
OTHER filed in MDL 3171 (govinfo_search).
In Re: Lyft, Inc. Passenger Sexual Assault Litigation
govinfo_search
OTHER filed in MDL 3171 (govinfo_search).
In Re: Lyft, Inc. Passenger Sexual Assault Litigation
govinfo_search
OTHER filed in MDL 3171 (govinfo_search).
In Re: Lyft, Inc. Passenger Sexual Assault Litigation
govinfo_search
OTHER filed in MDL 3171 (govinfo_search).
Lyft Passenger Sex Assault Litigation
PACER docket entry from PAED: NOTICE OF REMOVAL by LYFT, INC. (Filing fee $ 405 receipt number APAEDC-19280534), filed by LYFT, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Designation Form, # 3 Exhibit A - Complaint, Del. Cnty. Ct. Com. Pl., No. CV-2026-004500, # 4 Exhibit B - Docket, Del. Cnty. Ct. Com. Pl., No. CV-2026-004
Lyft Passenger Sex Assault Litigation
PACER docket entry from CAND: COMPLAINT against Lyft, Inc. ( Filing fee $ 405, receipt number ACANDC-21994627.). Filed by Jane Doe DMA (L.P.). (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(Raghuthaman, Ramesh) (Filed on 5/18/2026) (Entered: 05/18/2026)
Lyft Passenger Sex Assault Litigation
PACER docket entry from TXWD: NOTICE OF REMOVAL by Lyft, Inc. (Filing fee $405 receipt number ATXWDC-21956260), filed by Lyft, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Index of Documents, # 2 Civil Cover Sheet, # 3 Supplement Cover Sheet)(Pollard, Bryan) (Entered: 05/15/2026)
No recent legislative signals. Monitoring is active — this section updates automatically.
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LexGenius Ranking
68Score
Activity volume is building across tracked sources
Monitoring
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Last: Jun 13, 2026, 9:00 AM UTC
Next: 15:47
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PACER
PACER
Google News
PubMed
Event feed
31
events detected
AI Brief
Lyft Assault remains early-stage / active mdl with 31 current signals in the accepted feed.
Overview
The JPML established MDL 3171 on February 5, 2026, consolidating federal Lyft passenger sexual assault litigation before Judge Rita F. Lin in the Northern District of California. The MDL currently comprises at least 17 cases previously scattered across 10 district courts; pretrial coordination is now underway with bellwether trials anticipated for late 2026 or early 2027.
Key developments
PACER court filing on Dec 31: Lyft Passenger Sex Assault Litigation. ‖ Mashable news on May 29: Lyft drivers have to complete safety training if they want to pick up passengers - Mashable.
Generated Jun 13, 2026, 9:00 AM UTC
Tracked MDLs
MDL 3171
N.D. Cal.
Lyft passenger sexual assault