Trial Magazine

Craig Koenekoop, 30, was running early one evening when he entered a crosswalk controlled by a traffic signal at an intersection. James Thompson, an Uber driver on his way to pick up two passengers, turned right on a green light and struck Koenekoop in the crosswalk. He suffered a fractured clavicle and a closed head injury, as well as hip and back injuries that necessitated an epidural injection and bilateral arthroscopic hip surgery. His medical expenses totaled over $253,500.

Koenekoop sued Uber Technologies, Inc., alleging vicarious liability. The defendant stipulated on the first day of trial that Thompson had been logged into the Uber app at the time of the collision and that Uber would be vicariously liable for Thompson’s negligence.

The jury awarded more than $6.7 million.

Citation: Koenekoop v. Uber Techs., Inc., No. 20STCV18978 (Cal. Super. Ct. Los Angeles Cnty. Apr. 10, 2024).

Plaintiff counsel: Brian J. Breiter and Jeffrey Twomey, both of Los Angeles.