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What Is a SANE Exam?
A SANE exam is a forensic medical examination performed by a specially trained registered nurse who is certified in forensic evidence collection. The exam has two purposes: providing medical care to the survivor (including injury treatment, STI prophylaxis, HIV PEP, and emergency contraception) and collecting forensic evidence that can be used in criminal prosecution and civil litigation. SANE nurses are trained to document injuries in forensic-quality photographs, collect biological evidence using rape kit protocols, and complete detailed forensic medical records.
SANE exams are most effective when conducted within 72 hours of the assault, as biological evidence degrades rapidly. However, physical injury documentation remains valuable beyond 72 hours — bruising, lacerations, and other injuries may still be present and documentable for several days or weeks. SANE programs are available at most hospital emergency departments, and many communities have standalone rape crisis center SANE programs that offer a more private, survivor-centered environment than a hospital ER.
The SANE Exam in Civil Litigation
SANE examination records are powerful evidence in rideshare assault civil cases. The forensic photographs of injuries, the SANE nurse's clinical notes documenting the survivor's account and physical findings, and the biological evidence collected all support the survivor's account of the assault. SANE nurses can be deposed or called as expert witnesses to explain their findings and their significance. The objective, professional nature of SANE documentation is often persuasive to juries and can substantially increase settlement value.
You do not need a SANE exam to pursue a civil case. Many successful rideshare sexual assault cases have been built on medical records from treating providers, psychiatric records documenting PTSD, the survivor's own testimony, digital evidence from the rideshare app, and the driver's complaint history. A SANE exam strengthens the evidentiary foundation but is not a prerequisite. Your attorney can advise on how to build the strongest possible case with the evidence that exists.
Key data
Data & Statistics
SANE exams are most effective within 72 hours but physical injury documentation remains valuable beyond that window
National Sexual Violence Resource Center / IAFN
SANE exams are available at no cost to survivors at most hospital EDs and rape crisis centers
OVW SANE Program Guidelines (DOJ)
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Guides
- Uber Sexual Assault LawsuitUber faces consolidated multi-district litigation in the Northern District of California (MDL No. 3084) involving thousands of sexual assault claims from passengers. The cases allege that Uber's inadequate driver background checks, failure to remove drivers with prior complaints, and insufficient in-app safety measures enabled assaults that a more responsible platform would have prevented.
- Campus Rideshare Sexual AssaultCollege students are among the most frequent rideshare users and face elevated risk of rideshare assault, particularly during late-night bar hours. Campus assaults may involve Title IX considerations if any university nexus exists, and minor plaintiffs have extended time to file civil claims due to SOL tolling until age 18.
- PTSD and Psychiatric Injury as Compensable DamagesPost-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, and other psychiatric injuries caused by rideshare sexual assault are fully compensable as non-economic damages in civil litigation. Psychiatric injury is often the largest component of damages in assault cases — and it can be documented, quantified, and presented to juries through treating clinicians and forensic psychology experts.
- Rideshare Assault Claims Involving MinorsWhen a minor is assaulted during a rideshare trip, their parent or guardian can file a civil claim on their behalf, and the statute of limitations is tolled (suspended) until the child turns 18. This means more time is available to file, but consulting an attorney as soon as possible is still important to preserve evidence and understand the child's rights.
- Reporting Rideshare Sexual AssaultReporting a rideshare assault is entirely your decision. You are not required to report to Uber, Lyft, or law enforcement to pursue a civil claim. Understanding your reporting options — and what each pathway involves — can help you make an informed decision that feels right for you.
- Rideshare Assault MDL Status in 2026As of early 2026, both the Uber and Lyft sexual assault MDLs are in active pre-trial proceedings in the Northern District of California. Discovery is ongoing, bellwether trial selections are underway, and global settlement discussions are reported to be in progress. Joining the MDL now — while proceedings are active — provides access to the benefits of consolidated discovery and positions your case favorably for any global resolution.
- Lyft Sexual Assault LawsuitLyft faces its own multi-district litigation for sexual assault claims, consolidated separately from Uber's MDL in the Northern District of California. Lyft's smaller market share produces proportionally comparable assault allegations, with similar claims of inadequate background checks, failure to remove dangerous drivers, and insufficient passenger safety infrastructure.
- Rideshare Driver Background ChecksUber and Lyft driver background checks use name-based database searches that miss criminal records under aliases, from states with limited reporting, and from international jurisdictions. This is structurally weaker than fingerprint-based checks required of taxi drivers, school employees, and healthcare workers in most states — and that structural gap is at the center of most rideshare assault lawsuits.
- Uber Safety Report Data: What the Numbers Really MeanUber's 2022 U.S. Safety Report disclosed 3,824 sexual assault incidents across 2019 and 2020 — but this figure represents only assaults reported directly to Uber by passengers. With sexual assault reporting rates as low as 1 in 5, the true number of Uber assaults may be many times higher. The report was released only after years of litigation pressure and does not include Uber Eats delivery incidents.
- Rideshare Assault Evidence: What Records ExistRideshare companies maintain extensive digital records for every completed trip including GPS route data, timestamps, driver identity, vehicle information, and complaint histories. Through litigation discovery, your attorney can compel Uber or Lyft to produce these records, which often form critical evidence in sexual assault civil cases.
- Sexual Assault Statute of Limitations by StateCivil statutes of limitations for sexual assault claims have been dramatically extended in most states since 2017, with many states now providing 10-20 years or no time limit at all. If you were assaulted during a rideshare ride, even years ago, please speak with an attorney before concluding your time has passed.
- Anonymous Filing in Rideshare Sexual Assault CasesMany survivors of rideshare sexual assault can pursue civil claims while protecting their identity through pseudonymous filing (Jane Doe or John Doe), protective orders limiting access to identifying information, and confidential settlement agreements. Protecting your privacy is a priority that experienced rideshare assault attorneys are equipped to fight for in every jurisdiction.
- Trauma-Informed Legal Process for SurvivorsPursuing a civil rideshare assault claim does not have to re-traumatize you. Attorneys who specialize in this area of law understand trauma responses, work at your pace, coordinate with your mental health providers, and advocate for procedural protections that minimize the burden on survivors throughout the legal process.
- Criminal vs. Civil Cases: How They InteractCriminal prosecution and civil litigation are entirely separate legal proceedings with different purposes, different standards of proof, and different outcomes. You can pursue a civil claim against Uber, Lyft, and the driver regardless of whether a criminal case exists, is ongoing, or resulted in acquittal. Civil claims are about compensation for your harm; criminal cases are about punishment and public accountability.
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