Robert McDermott was severely injured in a pedestrian accident involving a rideshare vehicle, sparking a lawsuit against multiple parties. On December 10, 2024, Robert and Ellen McDermott filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, against Alonzo Florentino Artigas, Uber Technologies, Inc., Hertz Global Holdings, Inc., and other unnamed defendants. The plaintiffs allege negligence as the primary cause of action.
The incident occurred on August 30, 2024, when Robert McDermott was struck by a vehicle operated by Alonzo Florentino Artigas while crossing an intersection in San Francisco. According to the complaint, Artigas was driving a 2023 Kia EV6 rented from Hertz Global Holdings and operating under contract with Uber Technologies at the time of the accident. The plaintiffs claim that all defendants are responsible for the injuries sustained by Robert McDermott due to their negligent actions. "Defendants carelessly and negligently drove, operated, owned, maintained... causing the vehicle to collide with Plaintiff," states the complaint.
The lawsuit details significant injuries suffered by Robert McDermott, including traumatic brain injury and cardiac issues leading to a heart attack. The plaintiffs assert that these injuries have resulted in ongoing medical expenses and loss of income due to diminished earning capacity. Additionally, Ellen McDermott claims loss of consortium due to her husband's injuries.
The plaintiffs seek various forms of relief from the court. They request general damages for non-economic losses such as pain and suffering and special damages for economic losses like medical expenses and lost wages. They also ask for prejudgment interest and coverage of legal costs associated with bringing the suit forward.
Representing Robert and Ellen McDermott are attorneys Richard H. Schoenberger and Claudia E. Wu from Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger law firm. The case is filed under Case No. CGC-24-620474 in front of the Superior Court of California in San Francisco County.