A Whatcom County resident is suing the car-for-hire company Uber over an injury that occurred in Oak Harbor in 2018.

Bellingham attorney Benjamin Pepper filed the complaint for monetary damages on behalf of Robin Stephen in Island County Superior Court Jan. 12. The lawsuit names Uber Technologies of Delaware and a driver named “Michael” as defendants.

The lawsuit states that on Jan. 12, 2018, Stephen hailed a Uber car in Oak Harbor and a driver who introduced himself as “Michael” responded. As Stephen was entering the vehicle, and before she was fully inside, Michael starting driving forward. At that time, Stephen had only one leg in the car and had not put on a seat belt.

Stephen’s leg was pulled by the vehicle, causing her to be thrown to the ground, the lawsuit states.

The woman said she suffered a permanent injury.

The Uber driver allegedly fled from the scene.

The lawsuit claims that the driver operated the vehicle in a “negligent, reckless and dangerous fashion” and that Uber negligently hired and supervised the driver.

The lawsuit asks for unspecified general and special damages for pain and suffering, medical costs, lost wages and impairment of the ability to enjoy life.