Arbitrator says Uber was ‘vicariously liable’ for a driver’s negligence in a fatal accident, rejecting argument that the company is a tech platform

A California arbitrator ruled that ride-hailing giant Uber was "vicariously liable" for the death of a 23-year-old woman, Emily Normandin-Parker, in a 2023 fatal accident. Normandin-Parker's parents received a $40 million settlement from both Uber and the driver, Vu Tran, after the arbitrator found both parties responsible for her death.

On the night of the incident, Normandin-Parker had taken an Uber to return home after a night out. The driver, Tran, pulled over on the side of Route 73 in Orange County when the friend inside the car became ill. While Normandin-Parker and her friend exited the vehicle, Tran allegedly got out as well. Normandin-Parker and her friend were struck and killed by an oncoming vehicle as they approached a dangerous part of the road called a "gore point," which is situated between a ramp and the main road.

Uber had initially argued that they are a technology platform connecting riders with independent drivers and thus should not be held liable for the driver's actions. However, the arbitrator ruled against Uber, finding that they were "vicariously liable" for the driver's negligence. The arbitrator, Richard Stone, criticized Uber's response to the incident and called on them to improve their safety measures.

Uber has stated that they continue to invest in safety and will continue to improve their policies and safeguards, but they disagreed with the arbitrator's decision.