Uber ordered to pay $40 million for passenger's death on California freeway

Uber vicarious liability Proposition 22 arbitration award rideshare safety

An arbitrator has ordered Uber to pay $40 million to the parents of Emily Normandin-Parker, a 23-year-old UCLA graduate who was fatally struck on a California freeway in August 2023. The ruling, issued by retired judge Richard A. Stone, found both Uber and the driver, Vu Tran, liable for the death.

The incident occurred when Tran stopped the vehicle at an unsafe and illegal gore point on State Route 73 in Orange County after a passenger became ill and vomited in the car. According to the arbitration award, Tran demanded a cleaning fee and ordered the passengers, who were intoxicated, to exit the vehicle. Normandin-Parker was subsequently struck and killed by another vehicle while on the freeway.

Uber argued it was not responsible for the driver's actions because California's Proposition 22 classifies drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. However, Stone rejected this argument, stating that Proposition 22 does not immunize the company from vicarious liability. The arbitrator noted that Tran appeared to show more concern for his vehicle than for the passengers' safety.

Uber has expressed disagreement with the decision, maintaining that the arbitrator was incorrect in holding the company legally responsible. The Normandin-Parker family intends to use the award to advocate for increased safety standards and transparency within the ride-hailing industry.

Entities

Emily Normandin-Parker · Luna Moore · Orange County · Richard A. Stone · Richard Stone · Uber · Vu Tran

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] The family established the Emily Normandin-Parker Foundation using the award proceeds. sjvsun.com · www.unilad.com
[● 19 SOURCES] Uber is vicariously liable for the actions of its drivers despite California's Proposition 22. www.livermorevine.com · www.rwcpulse.com · www.almanacnews.com · calmatters.org · hch.tv · +14 more
[● 4 SOURCES] The $40 million award is split with $20 million each to the parents and $300,000 to the passenger's friend. sjvsun.com · www.unilad.com · mymotherlode.com · internewscast.com
[● 6 SOURCES] Uber previously offered a $10 million settlement that included a non-disparagement clause. www.direitonews.com.br · www.cbsnews.com · estadaoalagoas.com.br · 2001online.com · rr.pt · +1 more
[● 10 SOURCES] Driver Vu Tran prioritized a cleaning fee over passenger safety after the incident. abc30.com · www.myjoyonline.com · www.latimes.com · kahawatungu.com · www.unilad.com · +5 more
[● 28 SOURCES] Uber must pay $40 million in total to the parents of Emily Normandin-Parker. www.direitonews.com.br · www.livermorevine.com · www.bbc.com · www.latimes.com · internewscast.com · +23 more
[● 12 SOURCES] Driver Vu Tran stopped in an unsafe and illegal gore point on State Route 73. abc30.com · internewscast.com · www.ntd.com · nypost.com · www.livermorevine.com · +7 more
[● 16 SOURCES] Uber believes the arbitrator's decision to hold the company legally responsible is incorrect. www.direitonews.com.br · abc30.com · www.cbsnews.com · www.latimes.com · mymotherlode.com · +11 more
[● 20 SOURCES] Retired judge Richard A. Stone ruled that Uber is vicariously liable for the driver's actions. hch.tv · montecristinoticias.com · www.direitonews.com.br · estadaoalagoas.com.br · www.livermorevine.com · +15 more