- Written By: Narek Vardanyan
Attorney Narek Vardanyan: “This Was Entirely Preventable—and Lyft Chose Not to Act”
Los Angeles, CA — March 20, 2026
Grecia Acosta, a Los Angeles woman, has filed a civil lawsuit against Lyft, Inc. after a driver using the platform was convicted of raping her during a ride, exposing what the lawsuit alleges are systemic safety failures by the rideshare company.
According to the complaint, Ms. Acosta requested a Lyft ride home from an event in Long Beach on June 22, 2024. After entering the vehicle and falling asleep, she later awoke to find the driver sexually assaulting her after allegedly stopping the trip before reaching her destination.
The driver was subsequently arrested, convicted of felony rape, and sentenced to prison.
“Lyft Knew—and Did Nothing”
“This was not an unpredictable tragedy,” said plaintiff’s attorney, Narek Vardanyan of McReynolds | Vardanyan, LLP. “Lyft has known for years that drivers on its platform have sexually assaulted passengers. This was entirely preventable—and Lyft chose not to act. Their decisions put profits over people, and Grecia Acosta paid the price.”
Allegations of Systemic Corporate Failure
The lawsuit alleges that Lyft failed to implement basic safety measures despite longstanding knowledge of sexual misconduct by drivers. Specifically, the complaint alleges Lyft:
- Relied on incomplete, name-based background checks rather than stronger screening methods
- Failed to monitor rides or detect suspicious deviations in real time
- Allowed drivers to prematurely end rides without passenger verification
- Failed to warn passengers of known risks of sexual assault
- Continued to market its service as safe despite repeated incidents
The lawsuit further alleges that Lyft’s business model prioritizes rapid driver onboarding and platform growth over passenger safety.
A Known and Ongoing Risk
According to the complaint, Lyft has been aware since at least 2015 of repeated reports of sexual assault and misconduct involving drivers on its platform.
“Passengers—especially women traveling alone at night—are placed in a confined space with a stranger,” Vardanyan added. “Lyft knew exactly what risks that created and failed to implement even the most basic protections.”
Severe Harm to Grecia Acosta
As a result of the assault, Ms. Acosta suffered significant physical injuries and profound emotional trauma. Medical examinations documented injuries consistent with non-consensual sexual penetration.
Claims and Accountability
The lawsuit asserts multiple causes of action, including sexual battery, negligence, negligent hiring and supervision, and failure to warn. Ms. Acosta is seeking compensatory damages, punitive damages, and accountability for what the complaint describes as corporate misconduct.
A Case With Broader Implications
“This case is bigger than one incident,” Vardanyan said. “It’s about forcing systemic change so that no other woman has to go through what Grecia Acosta endured.”
Media Contact
Narek Vardanyan
McReynolds | Vardanyan, LLP
100 W. Broadway, Suite 700
Glendale, CA 91210
Phone: (818) 855-2115
Email: info@mcreynoldsllp.com
