Uber allegedly tried to silence family with $10 million penalty after woman died when driver kicked her off on the freeway

A woman lost her life after an Uber driver kicked her off on a California freeway while intoxicated, leading to her being struck by multiple cars. Now, the ride-share company is left to face a heavy financial blow after it was court-ordered to pay $40 million to the grieving family after attempting a settlement.

In August 2023, 23-year-old Emily Normandin-Parker and her friend Luna Moore spent a night drinking in Costa Mesa, Orange County, before calling for an Uber in the early morning hours, per The Guardian. During the ride home to Laguna Beach, Normandin-Parker reportedly felt sick and vomited inside the car.

Instead of seeking a safe area, the driver, identified as Vu Tran, illegally pulled over on California State Route 73 at a “gore point,” a paved triangular area separating the main highway and the exit lane, per arbitration records. Tran immediately ordered the two friends to exit the car.

Uber denies liability in driver’s actions

During the disagreement between Moore and Tran regarding the cleaning fee, Normandin-Parker stepped out of the car and, because of her heavily intoxicated state, wandered into oncoming traffic lanes before she was fatally struck by passing cars. ABC News reported that Tran was more concerned about the state of his car, with GPS data showing the driver drove near Normandin-Parker’s body before exiting the freeway.

Not long after, Tran contacted Uber support to request a cleaning fee. He allegedly did not contact emergency services.

The arbitrator for the case, retired California judge Richard A. Stone, found both Uber and Tran “vicariously liable” for gross negligence. However, Uber reportedly denied responsibility for the tragic incident, arguing that they were merely a “technology company” that connected independent third-party drivers with riders through a platform. Stone rejected Uber’s argument.

Stone also dismissed Uber’s claim on Proposition 22, a ballot initiative that categorizes third-party drivers as independent contractors instead of employees, freeing the company from liability. According to arbitration documents released on Sept. 17, Stone stated that Uber should be regarded as a “common carrier,” an entity that transports goods and people, thus giving it heightened responsibility.

After five days of arbitration, Stone reportedly awarded Normandin-Parker’s parents, Carol Normandin and Ken Parker, $20 million apiece, with both Uber and Tran jointly liable. Moore was also awarded $300,000 for the traumatic experience she endured. Punitive damages were not awarded.

Uber allegedly tried to get Normandin-Parker’s family to sign a confidentiality agreement

Prior to the ruling, Uber reportedly attempted to settle the case with the family, which included a confidentiality agreement. While the settlement amount was not disclosed, the confidentiality agreement was said to include a strict $10 million penalty for Normandin and Parker any time they spoke publicly about the tragedy and Uber’s involvement in the case.

The parents reportedly rejected Uber’s proposed settlement. “Emily did everything Uber tells riders to do. She made the responsible choice not to drive, and we trusted Uber to get her home safely. That trust cost our daughter her life,” Normandin and Parker said through their legal counsel.

Uber claimed it “ultimately did not pursue confidentiality in this case.” Despite the ruling, the company continues to reject having any responsibility in the incident. In a statement to GMA, Uber spokesperson Gabriela Condarco-Quesada said, “While we respect the arbitration process, we believe the arbitrator was wrong in holding Uber legally responsible for the tragic events of that night.”

While Uber was held liable for negligence in this case, it does not establish a court precedent. The company, however, is working towards distancing itself from its drivers’ actions. Meanwhile, the Emily Normandin-Parker Foundation was established in light of the ruling, with the arbitration award going to the foundation, which aims to shed light on issues within the ride-share community, seek corporate accountability, and advocate on behalf of victims.

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