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Arbitrator orders Uber to pay $40 million over fatal freeway drop-off

A retired judge found Uber liable after a driver forced passengers onto a California freeway, leading to a fatal collision.

Updated Sep 19, 2026 · 02:28 UTC2 reports

The short version

  • An arbitrator ordered Uber to pay $40 million to the parents of Emily Normandin-Parker, who died after a rideshare driver left her on a California freeway in August 2023.[CBS News]
  • The driver ejected Normandin-Parker and her friend on State Route 73 after the friend vomited, and Normandin-Parker was fatally struck by another car as the Uber departed.[CBS News]
  • The arbitrator ruled Uber was vicariously liable as a common carrier, rejecting company arguments that the driver was an independent contractor.[The Guardian · CBS News]
  • Uber stated that the arbitrator erred in holding the company legally responsible for the fatal incident.[CBS News]

Key facts

  • An arbitrator awarded Carol Normandin and Ken Parker $20 million each following the death of their 23-year-old daughter, Emily Normandin-Parker.[The Guardian · CBS News]
  • An Uber driver pulled over on State Route 73 and forced Normandin-Parker and her friend out of the vehicle after the friend vomited.[CBS News]
  • Normandin-Parker was fatally struck by another vehicle on the freeway as the Uber drove away.[CBS News]
  • Retired judge Richard A. Stone ruled that Uber was vicariously liable for driver negligence and should be treated as a common carrier.[The Guardian]
  • Uber argued during arbitration that the driver was an independent contractor under state law and that the company should not be held accountable.[CBS News]
  • Uber stated that the arbitrator was wrong to hold the company legally responsible for the events of that night.[The Guardian · CBS News]
  • The family's attorneys stated Uber initially offered a settlement barring public discussion under a $10 million penalty per violation, which the family rejected; Uber said it ultimately did not pursue confidentiality.[The Guardian · CBS News]

What remains uncertain

  • Whether Uber will pursue any further legal challenges to dispute the arbitrator's determination of common carrier liability remains unstated.[The Guardian · CBS News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.