When something traumatic happens, your mind and body respond in ways you can’t control. There’s no “right” way to react. Some people feel numb. Others feel overwhelmed. Many describe it as moving through fog, where even simple decisions feel impossible.
If you’re reading this because something happened to you in an Uber, I want you to know: what happened wasn’t your fault, and you don’t have to figure everything out right now.
Your immediate safety comes first
Get to a safe place. This might be a friend’s home, a public location with other people around, or anywhere that helps you feel less vulnerable. Trust your instincts about where you need to be.
Address your basic needs. Trauma sends your nervous system into overdrive. Small physical actions can help:
- Drink water
- Sit or lie down somewhere comfortable
- Focus on slow, steady breathing
- Wrap yourself in something warm if you’re shaking
These aren’t solutions—they’re simply ways to help your body begin to settle.
Preserving evidence protects your options
You don’t need to decide right now whether you want to report what happened or take legal action. But preserving evidence means you can make that choice later when you’re ready.
If you’re able to:
- Avoid showering or changing clothes immediately (I know this feels counterintuitive)
- Save all texts, app notifications, and receipts related to the ride
- Take screenshots of the driver’s information and your trip details
- Write down what you remember, even if it’s fragmentary—date, time, location, what happened
Think of this as keeping doors open for your future self. You’re not committing to anything. You’re simply protecting your ability to choose.
Medical care matters more than you might think
Many survivors skip medical attention because they don’t have visible injuries or can’t bear the thought of explaining what happened. But medical care serves several important purposes:
Physical health: Some injuries or risks (like STIs) aren’t immediately apparent
Emotional wellbeing: Healthcare providers can connect you with crisis counselors
Documentation: Medical records can be crucial if you later decide to pursue legal action
Forensic evidence: A sexual assault forensic exam (SAFE exam) can be done without requiring a police report
You can go to an emergency room, urgent care, or specialized clinic. Many areas have Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) who are trained specifically for these situations.
Breaking the isolation
Trauma has a way of making you feel completely alone, even in a crowded room. Reaching out to someone—anyone—can help pierce that isolation.
You might text a friend: “Something happened and I need you.”
You might call a family member and just ask them to stay on the phone.
You might contact a crisis hotline where you can talk anonymously.
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 (available 24/7)
You don’t have to tell the whole story or make perfect sense. Connection itself is what matters.
Understanding your legal rights
When you’re ready—and only when you’re ready—understanding your legal options can help you regain a sense of control.
Uber assault cases involve specific legal considerations:
- Rideshare companies have duties to screen drivers and maintain safety
- California law provides pathways for survivors to seek compensation
- You may be able to pursue action against both the driver and the company
- Reporting timelines vary, but acting sooner generally preserves more options
If you’re in California and want to explore your options with someone who specializes in these cases, you can speak with an uber assault lawyer.
Speaking with an attorney doesn’t obligate you to do anything. It’s simply information-gathering.
What to expect emotionally
Your emotional responses may not follow any predictable pattern:
- You might feel fine for days, then suddenly fall apart
- You might feel angry, guilty, numb, or terrified—sometimes all at once
- You might have trouble sleeping, eating, or concentrating
- You might replay what happened or try to imagine what you “should have done”
All of these reactions are normal responses to abnormal circumstances. Your brain is processing trauma, and that takes time.
Consider professional support:
- Trauma-informed therapists who specialize in sexual assault
- Support groups where you can connect with other survivors
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) for immediate support and resources
Moving forward (on your timeline)
There’s no rulebook for healing. Some survivors want to take immediate action. Others need weeks or months before they can even think about next steps. Both approaches are valid.
What you can do right now:
- Focus on your immediate safety and basic needs
- Reach out to at least one person you trust
- Consider medical care
- Preserve evidence if you’re able
- Be patient with yourself
What you can do when you’re ready:
- Learn about your legal rights and options
- Decide whether you want to report to police or pursue civil action
- Seek trauma-informed therapy
- Connect with survivor communities if that feels supportive
You didn’t cause this
You didn’t cause this by:
- Being polite to your driver
- Being tired or distracted
- Wearing certain clothes
- Drinking alcohol
- Getting into a car you had every reason to expect would be safe
Rideshare services promise safety. When they fail to deliver on that promise, the responsibility lies with them and the person who harmed you—never with you.
Final thoughts
The moments after an assault can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Resources exist. People who understand are ready to help. And you have more strength than you may realize right now.
Take it one moment at a time. One breath at a time. One decision at a time.
You will find your way through this.
