Last week, an arbitrator ordered Uber to pay $40 million to the family of Emily Normandin-Parker, a 23-year-old who was killed in 2023 after her Uber driver ordered her out of the car on the side of a Southern California freeway. Her friend had gotten sick in the vehicle, and instead of pulling off at a safe location, the driver stopped between an exit ramp and live traffic lanes, put both women out, and drove away — then asked Uber to bill her a cleaning fee. Stranded next to freeway traffic at night, she was struck by a vehicle and killed.
Uber’s defense was one we see constantly: “We’re just a technology platform. The driver doesn’t work for us.” The arbitrator — a retired judge — rejected it, finding the driver needlessly placed his passengers in danger and holding Uber responsible.
Three things every rideshare passenger should take from this case.
First, Uber and Lyft fight responsibility for their drivers in almost every case. The “we’re just an app” argument has been their playbook for a decade. It doesn’t always work — but it means these cases are never simple, and the companies do not roll over.
Second, notice this was an arbitration award, not a jury verdict. Buried in the terms you accepted when you downloaded the app is a clause that can keep your case out of a courtroom entirely. That changes strategy from day one, and it’s one more reason to talk to a lawyer before you talk to the company.
Third, a drop-off can be negligence. Most people think rideshare cases mean car wrecks. But where and how a driver lets you out matters. Louisiana law, like California’s, requires reasonable care for a passenger’s safety — and that duty doesn’t end until you’re somewhere safe.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in or around an Uber or Lyft — a crash, an unsafe drop-off, anything — call us at (504) 684-4444. Initial consultations are free, and you’ll speak to a real person, 24 hours a day.
Attorney advertising. This post is legal information and commentary, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Case facts are drawn from public news reports.
