A shocking incident in Charleston, South Carolina, has raised serious concerns about rideshare safety and driver vetting practices. On April 24, 2025, Bryan Kobel, CEO of biotechnology company TC BioPharm, was allegedly punched and headbutted by his Uber driver while attempting to bring his service dog along for a ride. The incident left Kobel unconscious on the pavement outside a restaurant on Upper King Street, suffering a concussion, with his dog briefly escaping from his arms.
The Incident
According to police records and a lawsuit filed by Kobel on August 18, 2025, the Uber driver, Vadim Nikolaevich Uliumdzhiev, exited his vehicle and confronted Kobel and his girlfriend in a parking lot. The altercation was reportedly over Kobel bringing his licensed service dog into the vehicle a right protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Surveillance footage from a nearby business captured the 15-second assault, showing Uliumdzhiev headbutting Kobel and then delivering a closed-fist punch to his jaw, knocking him to the ground. Kobel’s skull struck the pavement, rendering him unconscious while his service dog was briefly freed. Witnesses and bystanders immediately assisted Kobel, who was later hospitalized.
Criminal and Legal Response
Uliumdzhiev, 42, was arrested on May 8 and charged with second-degree assault and battery. During his incarceration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) placed a hold on him. Authorities reported that Uliumdzhiev was not a legal resident and that his driver’s license was fake.
The criminal case against him is pending in Charleston County Circuit Court, with his next court appearance scheduled for mid-October.
The Lawsuit Against Uber
Kobel’s lawsuit names Uliumdzhiev, Uber, and a subsidiary company, Raiser, as defendants. The suit alleges that Uber failed to properly screen its driver, allowing someone with a fraudulent license and questionable documentation to provide rides.
Kobel’s attorney, Kenneth Berger, emphasized that Uber’s responsibility extends beyond the driver, claiming that the company’s alleged failure to verify driver credentials put riders at risk. The case joins a number of pending lawsuits in Charleston County against Uber for driver misconduct.
Safety and Accountability Concerns
The incident highlights the potential dangers associated with rideshare services when driver vetting and monitoring are inadequate. Despite Uber’s stated policies requiring background checks, valid licenses, and Social Security numbers, the company faces scrutiny over how these procedures were applied in this case.
An Uber spokesperson stated:
“There is no place for violence on the Uber platform. While we can’t comment on pending litigation, Uber is deeply committed to safety and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations around worker eligibility.”
Legal Options for Rideshare Victims
Victims of rideshare assaults may have the right to pursue civil claims against the driver and the rideshare company. These claims may include:
- Compensation for medical expenses
- Lost income due to missed work
- Pain and suffering or emotional distress
- Punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence or reckless conduct
About Ted Law Firm
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare assault, Ted Law Firm is here to help. Our experienced attorneys guide clients through complex legal claims against drivers and rideshare companies, ensuring victims receive the compensation they deserve.
You don’t pay unless we win your case. Contact us today for a free consultation and protect your rights as a rideshare passenger.
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
