A recent ruling by state judges in New Jersey has prevented a couple, Georgia and John McGinty, from suing Uber for injuries they sustained in an accident. The judges cited a clause in Uber's terms of use stating that disputes must be settled through arbitration rather than in court. The McGintys claim they were unaware of this clause and had only agreed to it when their daughter, then 12, accepted the terms prior to ordering food on Uber Eats. This decision potentially sets a precedent for other cases involving companies with similar arbitration clauses.
Ruling Highlights Controversial Use of Arbitration Clauses in Uber's Terms of Use
Background
In a recent ruling, New Jersey state judges have ruled that a couple injured in an Uber accident cannot sue the company due to an arbitration clause in Uber's terms of use. This clause requires disputes to be settled through arbitration rather than in court.
The plaintiffs, Georgia and John McGinty, claim they were unaware of this clause when they accepted it through their 12-year-old daughter's account while ordering food on Uber Eats. They argue that Uber failed to disclose the clause clearly or obtain informed consent.
Implications
The ruling sets a precedent for other cases involving similar arbitration clauses in tech platforms and ride-sharing companies. Such clauses have become increasingly common in consumer contracts, potentially limiting individuals' access to the legal system.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q: What is an arbitration clause? A: An arbitration clause is a provision in a contract that requires disputes to be settled through arbitration, which is a private dispute resolution process often conducted by neutral third parties.
Q: Why do companies use arbitration clauses? A: Arbitration clauses benefit companies by reducing the risk of costly and time-consuming lawsuits in court. They also allow companies to avoid public scrutiny and potential reputational damage.
Q: Are arbitration clauses binding? A: Yes, arbitration clauses are typically binding and enforceable. However, they may be invalidated if they are unconscionable (i.e., grossly unfair or one-sided) or if there is evidence of fraud or duress.
Q: What are the drawbacks of arbitration? A: Arbitration can be more expensive than litigation, less transparent, and less accessible for individuals who cannot afford to hire an expert arbitrator.
Q: What can individuals do to protect themselves from arbitration clauses? A: Individuals can carefully read contracts before signing them, negotiate to remove or modify arbitration clauses, and seek legal advice if they have concerns about the validity or enforceability of such clauses.
President Trump announced new tariffs on major trading partners, including India and China, during a speech at the White House on April 2. These "reciprocal tariffs" match the duties these countries have imposed on US goods, with India set to face a 26% tariff and China set at 34%. The tariffs will go into effect on April 9 at 12:01 am local time, sparking concerns for industries such as automobiles, with companies like Volkswagen already taking action to mitigate the impact.
Enter this month's competition for a chance to win one of two fantastic Motorola Edge 50 Pro handsets worth £600 each. With its sleek design, impressive camera system and fast charging capabilities, this phone is not to be missed. Plus, each winner will receive a limited-edition F1 engraved case to complete the package. All you have to do is answer a simple question on motorola.co.uk.
According to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India's report, state-owned telecom company BSNL incurred a loss of Rs 1,757.76 crore due to financial lapses in its Master Service Agreement with Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd (RJIL). These lapses include BSNL's failure to enforce contractual terms, leading to revenue shortages and loss of potential interest. The report also highlights additional losses incurred by BSNL due to inefficient planning and procurement, resulting in unnecessary expenditure and non-realization of tax credits.
The National Company Law Tribunal has intervened in the ongoing dispute between Aakash Education Services Limited and Byju's, directing a status quo on the former's shareholding. This move came after the Resolution Professional of Byju's filed a plea in court. As one of India's leading ed-tech companies, Byju's has been aggressive in its acquisition of competitors such as Aakash Institute, and this development adds to the ongoing legal battles in the business world.
FOX News Network, LLC has announced exclusive offers for members of the military and first responders on their streaming platform, FOX Nation. The offers include discounted rates and additional benefits for those who serve in these roles. To learn more and take advantage of these offers, interested individuals can contact the designated help centers or visit the FAQ page on the FOX News website. With this initiative, FOX News continues to show their support for those who serve and protect their communities.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) exceeded expectations by collecting Rs 6,172 crore in property tax in the financial year 2024-25. This marks a 30% increase compared to the previous year and is the highest ever collection for India's largest civic body. BMC officials attribute the success to consistent follow-ups, enhanced recovery measures, and citizen compliance. Despite facing financial strain, tax rates in Mumbai have remained unchanged since 2015, leading the BMC to explore other revenue sources.
Following a long wait, the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has finally declared the final results of the Combined Graduate Level Examination (CGL) 2024,which was held on 12.03.2025. Out of 1267 candidates whose results were withheld, the SSC has released the scores for 219 candidates on its official website. The remaining results are still pending for further scrutiny, and candidates can check their scorecards by logging into the website using their registration number and password.
In a major move to revive the struggling telecom company Vodafone Idea (Vi), the Indian government has decided to convert an additional Rs 36,950 crore of the company's dues into equity, bringing the government's total stake in the company to nearly 49%. This follows a previous infusion of Rs 6,133 crore in equity in February 2023. With this takeover, the government becomes the single-largest shareholder in Vi and will continue to have operational control of the company. However, this decision has raised concerns about potential losses for taxpayers, as the government will have to acquire these shares at a premium of more than 47%.
The debut of Mubarak Coin on Binance, the world's largest crypto exchange, was met with unexpected results as the token crashed by 40% in just 24 hours. This sudden drop has sparked intense discussions among investors, with some seeing it as a normal correction and others fearing a larger shakeout. The token's listing on Binance was expected to boost its price, but instead, it triggered a sell-off by whales (large investors) taking profits, leading to panic selling. Some traders who hoped to ride the wave for huge profits in the futures market were left disappointed as insiders allegedly dumped large amounts of the crypto, further causing price declines. Technical indicators suggest that the selling pressure is likely to continue.
Fox News Network, LLC has announced new offers for both military members and first responders. These discounts will be available on their streaming service, Fox Nation, and can be accessed by contacting the online representatives or through the FAQ section on the network's website. This move comes amid the company's efforts to expand its audience and cater to different demographics.