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Uber Ordered to Pay $40 Million After Arbitrator Finds Company Liable for Passenger's Death

The arbitrator rejected Uber’s argument that Proposition 22 shields the company from vicarious liability.

Overview

  • A retired judge acting as arbitrator awarded $40 million total to the parents of 23‑year‑old Emily Normandin‑Parker, splitting $20 million to each parent and $300,000 to the friend who was with her.
  • On Aug. 12, 2023, Emily and a friend were left by their Uber driver at a gore point on State Route 73 after the friend vomited and Emily was later struck and killed by traffic.
  • The arbitrator found the driver stopped in an unsafe, illegal gore point, abandoned intoxicated passengers, did not render aid, and even contacted Uber about a cleaning fee after the crash.
  • The decision says Prop. 22 does not bar vicarious liability because the company exerts control over pricing and service and therefore can be held responsible for drivers’ conduct.
  • The family rejected a confidentiality settlement, made the July award public in September 2026, plans to use proceeds to fund the Emily Normandin‑Parker Foundation, and urged changes to Uber’s safety policies.