From ABC7 New York · · 3m
Uber ordered to pay $40M in freeway death case
A California arbitrator found Uber vicariously liable after a driver left an intoxicated passenger on a freeway where she was struck and killed.
In brief
A California arbitrator found Uber vicariously liable after a driver left an intoxicated passenger on a freeway where she was struck and killed. Uber was held responsible for a driver's decision to leave an intoxicated passenger in an unsafe location on a freeway, rejecting the company's claim that it's merely a…
Woman killed after Uber driver abandonment
Emily Normandin-Parker, 23, was struck and killed on State Route 73 in Orange County after her Uber driver left her and a friend on the freeway following a dispute over a cleaning fee.
Parents awarded $40 million in arbitration
Carol Normandin and Ken Parker received $20 million each in an arbitration award against Uber and driver Vu Tran. Their daughter's friend Luna Moore was awarded $300,000.
Driver pulled over at unsafe location
Vu Tran stopped at a gore point, the triangular area by an off-ramp, after passenger Luna Moore became sick. He demanded money and kicked both women out after arguing over a cleaning fee.
Arbitrator called location unsafe and illegal
Retired Judge Richard Stone found Tran knew both women were intoxicated and could have taken the nearby MacArthur Boulevard exit to a safe location instead of the dangerous gore point.
Driver showed more concern for car than passengers
Stone described Tran's testimony as largely unbelievable and found he showed far more worry for his new car than for his passengers' safety.
“far more worry for his new car than he did for his passengers”
Tran drove past victim's body
GPS data showed Tran drove near Normandin-Parker's body after she was struck, then took the next exit and called Uber to seek a cleaning fee.
Uber had prior complaints about driver
Evidence showed Uber received previous complaints about Tran's driving, including one rider calling it the least safe ride they experienced and another saying he cannot drive.
Judge rejected Uber's tech company defense
Stone found Uber vicariously liable as a common carrier, rejecting the company's argument that it's merely a technology platform connecting riders and drivers.
Proposition 22 didn't shield Uber from liability
The arbitrator rejected Uber's claim that California's Proposition 22, which allows app-based drivers to be classified as independent contractors, prevented the company from being held liable.
Parents tried to keep award secret
Uber attempted to prevent the arbitration award from being made public and sent the family an agreement requiring non-disparagement with a $10 million penalty for speaking negatively about the company.
Foundation created for ride-hailing safety
The parents established the Emily Normandin-Parker Foundation to advocate for ride-hailing safety and corporate accountability, using proceeds from the arbitration award to fund it.
At a glance
Uber was held responsible for a driver's decision to leave an intoxicated passenger in an unsafe location on a freeway, rejecting the company's claim that it's merely a technology platform.
