Ottawa mom warns others after teen daughter dragged by Uber and injured

An Ottawa mother says she's frustrated with Uber and disappointed with local police after her daughter was dragged along a street by an Uber vehicle and injured. 

Liliane, whose last name CBC is withholding to protect the identity of her teenager because she's worried about stigma at school, says nearly three months after the incident, she's seen no consequences for the driver, nor any accountability from either the company or police — until CBC News started asking questions.

"People need to know that Uber and companies like this are operating with impunity in our communities," said Lilliane, who has been accessing accident benefits through her own car insurance company.

Uber refunded the $10.46 fare, but hadn't offered any compensation or statements to the family, she said.

"That really doesn't seem right to me. Not even an apology," she said. "They are nearly impossible to reach."

Liliane says her daughter took an Uber to school on the morning of April 9, and as she was getting out of the car her jacket sleeve got caught in the door. The driver, seemingly unaware, drove off, dragging the girl on her bare left hip until passersby flagged the driver to stop.

"She was in shock. Her pants had been pulled down," said Liliane. "I think the backpack saved her life. I think it kept her head up."

Liliane showed CBC photos of her daughter's injuries, but didn't want them shown publicly because they show private areas of her daughter's body.

The largest visible injury was a reddish-brown skin abrasion on her daughter's hip that covered most of her left backside. Liliane said her family doctor removed pebbles and other debris that had become embedded in the teen's skin. The incident also left several scratches down her legs.

Liliane said her daughter's knees and shoulders were also injured, and said the teen is still receiving physiotherapy.

Feeling 'abandoned' by police

Liliane says Ottawa police initially informed her family that they may lay charges under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act. She says they told her the driver hadn't reported the incident to authorities, nor exchanged information with her daughter after the incident.

But after following up several times, Liliane said she felt "abandoned and ignored by the police."

In an email, Ottawa police told CBC officers had investigated and "the results were shared with the involved individuals." Police confirmed to CBC that they hadn't laid charges but couldn't share their rationale, citing privacy.

Liliane said the only "results" she got were a few text messages from police that she shared with CBC. In them, police suggested the driver was "remorseful" and said they wouldn't pursue charges. 

"What a terrible example to set for a child," said Liliane, tearing up. "Nothing. No consequences. She's the only one with consequences."

In a statement, the police spokesperson said individuals dissatisfied with outcomes of investigations can contact the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency, an oversight body — which Liliane plans to do.

Driver no longer with Uber

Getting in touch with Uber and its insurance partner also proved difficult for the family. Liliane said the companies tried to "blow [her] off" by citing privacy, even though she was calling on behalf of her own child. 

When CBC News contacted Uber about the incident, a spokesperson said the company has now "banned the driver's access to the platform." 

Liliane was surprised to learn this, and said Uber had only told her the driver wouldn't be matched with her daughter anymore.

"I had not been informed of this by Uber or anyone. The first I hear of it is from [CBC]," she said. 

In a statement, Uber added safety remains its "top priority."

"We recognize how scary this situation must have been for the rider and their family, and we're glad to hear the rider is on the mend," wrote the Uber spokesperson.

Liliane feels the company still hasn't taken responsibility for what happened, and says their response isn't enough.

"When something goes bad, how do they respond? Stonewall. Delay. Diffuse. Drag it out," she said.

Apologies 'few and far between': lawyer

Personal injury lawyer Teresa Park says apologies from companies like Uber are "very few and far between" because they can be perceived as an admission of fault.

"You'll see a lot of rideshare companies either being completely radio silent, or giving you a runaround," said Park, who's with Iacobelli Law Firm.

When passengers download the app they agree to certain terms and conditions, and Park says those may hinder litigation, depending on the jurisdiction and facts in each case. 

But Park says successful cases against negligent drivers or companies are still possible through civil court.

Park recommends anyone who's injured in such an incident take screenshots and photos, get assessed medically, and report it to police in a timely manner.

"Essentially, be a detective for yourself," Park advised. 

If possible, she suggests people retain a lawyer who may send a letter to Uber to preserve evidence such as dashcam footage or any communication between the company and driver — before it gets deleted.

"That might be the smoking gun, if you will, in proving that the driver was negligent," Park said.

She warns in some cases, insurance companies may offer lump sums when victims may be entitled to more. She recommends getting legal advice prior to signing anything.