Uber ordered to pay $40 million to family of woman killed after being left on freeway

Uber was ordered to pay $40 million to the family of a woman who was killed on the side of an Orange County freeway after the driver left her on the side of the road. 

According to Carol Normandin and Ken Parker, their daughter, Emily Normandin-Parker, 23, ordered an Uber on Aug. 12, 2023, after a night out. During the ride, Nomandin-Parker's friend became sick and vomited in the car. The driver pulled over on State Route 73 and kicked the women out of the car, leaving them on the side of the freeway. 

Normandin-Parker was hit by another car as the Uber drove away, killing her, CBS News reported. Her parents said they are publicizing what happened because Uber has refused to take any responsibility for the incident. 

The company argued during a five-day arbitration hearing that the driver is an independent contractor under California law, and so Uber can't be held liable for his actions. The judge in the arbitration awarded the parents $20 million each. 

Uber said in a statement that they did not agree with the judge's decision. 

"While we respect the arbitration process, we believe the arbitrator was wrong in holding Uber legally responsible for the tragic events of that night," Uber said. 

Uber had offered Parker and Normandin a settlement agreement, which barred the parents from publicly discussing the incident, according to Panish Shea Ravipudi LLP, the law firm representing the family. They turned the offer down, saying the case wasn't about money. 

The family has created a foundation in their daughter's name to advocate for stronger rideshare safety regulations.