Uber Driver ‘Brutally’ Headbutts and Punches Passenger in Row Over Traveling with His Service Dog

**Uber Driver ‘Brutally’ Headbutts Passenger in Row Over His Service Dog**

An altercation between an Uber driver and passenger turned violent when the driver allegedly assaulted the passenger after a dispute regarding the passenger’s service dog. The incident, which resulted in the passenger’s hospitalisation, has led to a lawsuit being filed against Uber.

The victim, Bryan Kobel, CEO of TC BioPharm, recounted the harrowing experience where he was headbutted and punched by the Uber driver, identified as Vadim Nikolaevich Uliumdzhiev. The confrontation occurred on April 24, when Kobel requested to travel with his service dog and was denied by Uliumdzhiev.

According to reports, Uliumdzhiev, a Russian national, had used a fake driver’s license to secure his position with Uber. The driver has since been charged with second-degree assault and battery and is currently held in a processing facility for the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Georgia.

The altercation, captured on surveillance camera, showed Uliumdzhiev grabbing Kobel by the throat, headbutting him, and punching him, ultimately causing Kobel to sustain a severe concussion. Kobel woke up in the hospital with seven staples in his head and four stitches, describing the incident as a “brutal experience.”

Kobel’s legal representative, Kenneth Berger, highlighted the need for accountability and stricter safety measures within rideshare companies like Uber. The lawsuit seeks answers as to how an individual with fraudulent credentials could access the platform, commit assault, and escape.

Uber, whilst refraining from commenting on the pending litigation, emphasised their commitment to safety and adherence to regulatory standards. The company’s screening process for drivers involves background checks and validation of valid driver’s licenses.

In a press release, Berger detailed the damages suffered by Kobel, encompassing physical and mental anguish, medical expenses, and a loss of enjoyment of life. Kobel reiterated the importance of ensuring rider safety by holding companies like Uber accountable for driver verification processes.

The lawsuit accused Uliumdzhiev of posing an unreasonable risk of harm, with Uber alleged to have failed in implementing and enforcing adequate safety policies. The incident raises concerns about the efficacy of the screening procedures employed by rideshare companies in safeguarding passengers.

As investigations continue into the case, the focus remains on addressing lapses in security measures within the rideshare industry to prevent similar incidents in the future. Both the passenger and the public expect stringent measures to be in place to protect individuals utilizing rideshare services.

**Conclusion:**

The incident involving the Uber driver’s assault on a passenger underscores the importance of stringent safety protocols within the rideshare industry. As the lawsuit progresses, the spotlight is on enhancing security measures to safeguard passengers and prevent such violent altercations. Accountability and transparency are paramount in ensuring the trust and safety of individuals utilizing rideshare services.