If you were sexually assaulted or harassed during an Uber or Lyft ride in California, the “expiration date” on your right to sue may be much further away than you think. Thanks to landmark legislation like AB 218 and the newly active AB 250, California has some of the most survivor-friendly laws in the United States.
In this 2026 guide, we break down the current deadlines and the special “revival windows” that could allow you to seek justice today for an incident that happened years ago.
1. The Standard Deadlines (Adult Survivors)
For most adult survivors in California, the Statute of Limitations for a civil lawsuit involving sexual assault is governed by Code of Civil Procedure section 340.16:
- 10 Years from the date of the last act or attempted act of sexual assault.
- OR 3 Years from the date you “discovered” (or reasonably should have discovered) that an injury or illness (including psychological trauma like PTSD) was caused by the assault.
Why this matters: If you were assaulted in 2018, you generally have until 2028 to file. However, if the trauma only manifested clearly in 2025 after therapy, your “clock” might be extended.
2. The 2026-2027 “AB 250” Revival Window (URGENT)
The most critical update for 2026 is Assembly Bill 250. This law created a temporary “lookback window” that effectively ignores the old statute of limitations for certain cases.
- The Window: January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027.
- What it does: It allows adult survivors to file civil claims for sexual assault that were previously time-barred (expired).
- Target: This law is specifically designed to hold private entities (like Uber and Lyft) accountable, especially if there are allegations of an institutional “cover-up” or negligence in protecting passengers.
If you thought your case was “too old” to sue Uber or Lyft, AB 250 may have just reopened the door for you.
3. Childhood Sexual Abuse (AB 218 Updates)
If the assault occurred when you were under 18, the rules are even broader:
- No Deadline: For any act of childhood sexual abuse occurring on or after January 1, 2024, there is no statute of limitations in California.
- Age 40 Rule: For older cases, survivors can file until they reach the age of 40, or within 5 years of discovering the psychological injury.
4. Why You Must Act Quickly in 2026
While the laws have expanded, waiting can still hurt your case against a rideshare company:
- Digital Evidence: Uber and Lyft data (GPS logs, driver records) can be lost or overwritten over time.
- The MDL Consolidation: Thousands of cases are currently being grouped in the Uber MDL 3084 and Lyft MDL 3171. Joining early ensures you are part of the global settlement negotiations.
- Witness Availability: Memories fade, and drivers may move or become untraceable.
Summary Table: California Filing Deadlines (2026)
| Scenario | Deadline / Statute |
| Standard Adult Claim | 10 years (or 3 years from discovery) |
| Previously Expired Claims | AB 250 Window: Must file by Dec 31, 2027 |
| Childhood Abuse (Pre-2024) | Until age 40 (or 5 years from discovery) |
| Childhood Abuse (Post-2024) | No Limit |
Get a Free, Confidential Case Evaluation
Don’t let a complex deadline stop you from seeking the compensation you deserve. Our legal network specializes in California rideshare litigation and can help you determine exactly which “window” applies to your story.