An Uber driver has been ordered to pay $40 million in damages after a passenger, Emily Normandin-Parker, was killed on a freeway following an incident where the driver allegedly ordered her and a friend out of the vehicle. A judge concluded that Uber is responsible for the driver's conduct, according to a statement from the law firm representing the victim's parents.
The tragic events unfolded on September 17, 2026, after 23-year-old Emily Normandin-Parker and a friend used the ride-sharing service. According to reports, one of the passengers became ill, prompting the driver, Vu Tran, to pull over on California State Route 73 at a freeway gore point—an unsafe area near an off-ramp. Tran then reportedly demanded a cleaning fee and instructed the passengers to exit the vehicle.
While arguing with the driver, Normandin-Parker, who was intoxicated, was struck and killed by another vehicle on the freeway. Evidence presented during a five-day arbitration process indicated that the driver, Tran, drove near Normandin-Parker's body before exiting the freeway. He did not render aid or call emergency services but instead contacted Uber to inquire about the cleaning fee, as stated by the law firm Panish, Shea, Ravipudi LLP.
In his arbitration ruling, Judge Richard Stone noted that Tran stopped in an "unsafe and illegal" location and had alternative, safer exits available. The judge found that Tran exhibited more concern for his vehicle than for his passengers. Uber stated that Tran is no longer associated with the company, despite a previous record of nearly 6,000 trips with a 4.96 rating and no prior incidents of unsafe freeway stops or rider injury. However, Uber had reportedly received prior complaints about Tran's "reckless behavior."
The arbitration award allocates $20 million to Emily Normandin-Parker's parents, Carol Normandin and Ken Parker, for the wrongful death of their daughter. The parents expressed that the legal victory felt "hollow," emphasizing that Uber had not accepted responsibility. They stated their primary desire was for the company to ensure passenger safety, not financial compensation. The family plans to use the awarded funds to support the Emily Normandin-Parker Foundation, an organization established to advocate for enhanced rideshare safety protections.
An Uber spokesperson acknowledged the arbitration process but stated, "We believe the arbitrator was wrong in holding Uber legally responsible for the tragic events of that night." The ruling rejected Uber's defense that Proposition 22, which classifies drivers as independent contractors, shielded the company from liability, asserting Uber's duty to protect its passengers and accountability for driver-caused harm.
