COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Law Offices of Kenneth Berger has filed a lawsuit against Uber Technologies, Inc. and Raiser, LLC on behalf of Mr. Bryan Kobel, a biotechnology CEO who suffered a concussion after an Uber driver attacked him in a restaurant parking lot near the 700 block of King Street in Charleston on April 24, 2025.
According to the complaint and surveillance video, a dark-colored Audi SUV arrived to pick up Mr. Kobel and a guest. Mr. Kobel, holding his small, leashed dog, opened the rear door for his guest and attempted to enter the vehicle. Moments later, after brief interaction near the front passenger side, the Uber driver exited the SUV, confronted Mr. Kobel with a cell phone held close to his face, grabbed him by the throat and shoved him, then headbutted and punched him in the head. Mr. Kobel and the dog fell to the ground. The driver re-entered the SUV and drove away, leaving Mr. Kobel unconscious on the pavement.
Multiple eyewitnesses called 911. Mr. Kobel was transported to the hospital, treated for a head laceration, and diagnosed with a concussion. Law enforcement later informed Mr. Kobel that the driver’s license was fake and that the driver is a Russian national not legally in the United States. The driver was arrested and was detained by ICE in Georgia.
“Riders rely on Uber to know who is behind the wheel,” said Kenneth Berger, counsel for Mr. Kobel. “We’re seeking answers and accountability for how an undocumented individual using a fraudulent ID was able to access Uber’s platform, assault a passenger, and flee. Publicly traded companies that profit from public trust must have screening and real-time identity systems that actually protect people.”
The complaint alleges that, as a direct result of the driver’s conduct while working for Uber and Raiser, Mr. Kobel suffered serious injuries and losses, including lost enjoyment of life, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, and medical expenses.
“No one should have to wonder about the identity of the driver arriving for their ride, be concerned about a driver’s potentially violent background, or whether they’re even legally permitted to be driving here,” said Mr. Kobel. “Rideshare businesses like Uber are built on an inherent level of trust in the brand and the belief these billion-dollar companies have taken the appropriate steps to protect riders through verification of drivers backgrounds and qualifications, and this is clearly failing. This case is ultimately about accountability and safer rides for everyone using rideshare services.”
Key facts from the complaint
- Date/Location: April 24, 2025; restaurant parking lot near the 700 block of King Street, Charleston.
- Victim: Mr. Bryan Kobel, biotech CEO; accompanied by a guest and a small, leashed dog.
- Incident sequence (video): throat grab/shove → headbutt → punch → victim and dog fall; driver flees.
- Injuries: Concussion and head laceration; ongoing symptoms and damages alleged.
- Driver status (per law enforcement): fake license; not legally in the U.S.; Russian national; arrested; detained by ICE (Georgia).
Materials available to media
- Surveillance video (no audio)
- Filed complaint (PDF)
- 16-second surveillance clip + stills
- 911 audio
MEDIA ALERT: Please respect the privacy of the victim and direct all media requests to the Law Office of Kenneth Berger. The Law Office of Kenneth Berger will do its best to accommodate press inquiries and requests for interviews with the victims and/or her attorney.
Contact Information
Chelsea Fullerton
cfullerton@bergerlawsc.com
(803) 790 2800
Complaint For Damages
