In a dramatic legal confrontation, a plaintiff has taken on a well-known vehicle-sharing company, alleging negligence and a series of statutory violations. On November 18, 2024, Patrick Blake filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, against Turo, Inc., and the Estate of Christopher Liang. The lawsuit claims that Turo failed to fulfill its obligations as a personal vehicle sharing program (PVSP), leading to severe financial and emotional damages for Blake.
The case revolves around an incident involving Blake's 2020 Tesla Model 3 Long Range Premium, which was rented out through Turo's platform in February 2022. According to the complaint, Christopher Liang rented the vehicle but was involved in a fatal accident that resulted in the car's total loss. Blake alleges that Turo knew or should have known about Liang's incompetence or unfitness to drive yet allowed him to rent the vehicle without proper vetting or insurance coverage. "Turo’s actions directly and proximately resulted in harm to the Plaintiff," states the complaint, highlighting Turo's failure to provide required insurance and maintain necessary records.
Blake accuses Turo of multiple legal breaches including negligence per se, negligent entrustment, breach of fiduciary duty, and unjust enrichment. The complaint also cites violations under California’s Consumer Legal Remedies Act (CLRA) and Unfair Competition Law (UCL). It argues that Turo engaged in unfair business practices by misleading consumers about insurance coverage and failing to meet statutory obligations. "Turo has repeatedly refused to provide insurance for and compensate Plaintiff for the losses caused by the accident," asserts Blake.
Seeking justice for his grievances, Blake demands various forms of relief from the court. These include general and special damages for financial losses such as property damage and lost profits, as well as compensation for emotional distress caused by Turo’s alleged misconduct. Additionally, Blake requests punitive damages aimed at deterring similar conduct by Turo in the future. The lawsuit also calls for injunctive relief requiring Turo to comply with California’s statutory requirements for PVSPs.
Representing himself through his law firm Blake Law Firm P.C., Patrick Blake stands determined against what he describes as "a repeated bad actor" in California’s vehicle-sharing industry. The case is set before Judge Sahar Enayati under Case No. CGC-24-619885.