Brian Kobel, CEO of TC BioPharm, is suing Uber after an illegal immigrant driver assaulted him, leaving him with a brain injury. Kobel reported the incident in April following a dispute with a South Carolina driver, which escalated into a physical attack. He described the initial interaction as ‘innocuous’ but it quickly turned violent when the driver knocked him unconscious. Kobel stated that he was shocked by Uber’s response to the incident, particularly the deactivation of his account without taking accountability for the attack.
Kobel explained that he contacted Uber with hospital records, a police report, and photographs of his injuries, expecting the company to take responsibility. Instead, Uber deactivated his account after 48 to 7,2 hours. Kobel argued that Uber has failed to properly vet its drivers and avoid liability, citing the lack of background checks that he believed should be part of the company’s process. He emphasized that Uber’s response left him questioning how often this driver has committed similar acts and how many other incidents might occur due to the company’s perceived lack of accountability.
The driver, identified as Vadim Uliumdzhiev, a 42-year-old Russian national who illegally entered the U.S., was arrested and charged with second-degree assault and battery. He was released on $10,000 bond and placed in ICE custody. Kobel expressed concern over the potential frequency of such incidents and how Uber’s approach might be putting its riders in danger. He criticized the company’s stance, stating that Uber seems to avoid responsibility by disavowing any liability, thus putting users in a dangerous situation.
Uber issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to safety and compliance with laws, stating that there is no place for violence on its platform. The company did not comment on pending litigation, highlighting its stance on legal compliance. Kobel’s lawsuit claims he suffered a severe concussion and head lacerations requiring multiple staples, further emphasizing the severity of the incident. The case has sparked discussions about Uber’s responsibility in ensuring driver safety and accountability, as well as the broader implications of illegal immigration on public safety and corporate liability.
Further, the incident is part of a broader trend of increased arrests related to illegal immigrants involved in criminal activities across the United States. The case has also raised questions about the role of companies like Uber in vetting drivers and ensuring safety, especially in light of the legal and ethical implications surrounding immigration status and corporate responsibility.