New Jersey couple sues Uber after crash, court rules they must settle out of court due to Uber Eats app agreement.
A New Jersey couple, Georgia and John McGinty, faced a life-altering car accident in March 2022 while riding in an Uber. The crash resulted in severe injuries for both, including spine and rib fractures. After nearly a year, the McGintys decided to sue Uber for the incident. However, their legal battle has hit a roadblock due to a terms-of-service agreement that their 12-year-old daughter allegedly agreed to while ordering pizza through Ms. McGinty’s Uber Eats account.
In a recent development, a New Jersey appeals court ruled in favor of Uber, deeming the arbitration provision in the agreement as valid and enforceable. This decision overturned a previous ruling that would have allowed the couple’s personal-injury lawsuit to proceed to a jury trial.
The aftermath of the accident left the McGintys grappling with significant physical and emotional challenges. Ms. McGinty, aged 51, suffered cervical and lumbar spine fractures, rib fractures, and other injuries, leading to multiple surgeries and a prolonged absence from work until April 2023. On the other hand, Mr. McGinty, aged 58, sustained a fractured sternum and severe fractures in his left arm and wrist, resulting in limited mobility in his wrist.
The couple described the crash as a catastrophic event that disrupted their health, emotional well-being, financial stability, and their ability to parent their young child. They continue to endure daily pain as a result of their injuries. While seeking damages from Uber, the exact amount has not been disclosed by their legal representatives.
The McGintys’ legal battle underscores the challenges faced by individuals seeking justice in cases involving ridesharing companies like Uber. Despite the setbacks, the couple remains determined to pursue accountability and compensation for the immense physical, emotional, and financial toll caused by the accident.
Source: The NY Times
