Married Couple Barred from Suing Uber Due to Prior Agreement #

A New Jersey couple involved in a severe accident during an Uber ride has been prevented from suing the company due to a previous agreement to arbitration. The couple had accepted terms of service for Uber Eats, which included an arbitration clause applicable to all Uber services.

The incident occurred in March 2022 when the couple was riding in an Uber vehicle. The driver ran a red light, resulting in a collision that caused serious injuries to both passengers. The wife suffered multiple fractures throughout her body, requiring surgeries and other procedures, while the husband sustained injuries to his wrist and sternum.

When the couple attempted to take Uber to court for a jury trial, an appellate court ruled against them. The court cited the previously agreed-upon terms and conditions, which require arbitration for disputes, including those involving auto accidents or personal injuries.

The couple argued that it was their minor daughter who had agreed to the terms of service on their behalf, using her mother’s phone to order food through Uber Eats. However, the court maintained that the company’s terms were “valid and enforceable.”

In response to the ruling, the couple expressed their disappointment and concern about the implications of such decisions. They argued that large corporations like Uber can avoid being sued in court due to contractual language in user agreements for services unrelated to the incident in question.

This case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding arbitration clauses in terms of service agreements. It raises questions about the extent to which such agreements can bind users across different services offered by the same company.

The couple’s attorneys have indicated that they are reviewing the decision and may petition the New Jersey Supreme Court for further consideration of the case.