Uber ordered to pay $40m over California highway death of UCLA graduate

September 18, 2026 at 07:54 PM2 min

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Uber must pay $40 million to the parents of Emily Normandin-Parker, 23, who was struck and killed on a California highway after an Uber driver ordered her out of the car. The award follows a five-day arbitration before retired Judge Richard Stone. Uber said it believed the arbitrator was wrong to hold the company responsible.

Key Facts

Emily Normandin-Parker, 23, was killed on 12 August 2023 after being struck by another vehicle on a California highway.
Retired Judge Richard Stone ordered Uber to pay $40 million after a five-day arbitration.
Uber had offered a $10 million settlement that required the parents not to speak about the incident; the family declined.
The driver, Vu Tran, did not call for help after leaving the women on the highway and instead called Uber to demand a cleaning fee.

The Incident

Emily Normandin-Parker, a 23-year-old UCLA graduate, booked an Uber with a friend on 12 August 2023. Her friend became sick and vomited in the car, court documents show. The driver, Vu Tran, pulled over on the highway and ordered the two intoxicated women out of the vehicle. Normandin-Parker was then struck and killed by another vehicle.

Arbitration Award

Retired Judge Richard Stone ordered Uber to pay $40 million to Normandin-Parker's parents after a five-day arbitration. The law firm Panish, Shea, Ravipudi represented the family in the arbitration. Judge Stone said Tran showed far more worry for his new car than for his passengers and could have taken an exit to drop the women at a safe location. Uber said it believed the arbitrator was wrong in holding the company legally responsible for the event.

Company Response

Uber said it has strengthened its approach to safety through new technology, policies, and safeguards informed by safety experts, including additional guidance to drivers about avoiding drop-offs in unsafe locations. The law firm representing the family said Uber initially proposed a $10 million settlement that would require the parents not to speak about the incident. The family declined that settlement offer.