Large rideshare platforms are constantly trying to expand the reach of their mandatory arbitration agreements. When corporations attempt to bypass the public court system, we stand in their way.
Recently, our firm achieved a critical, immediate victory in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Kings County. In the case of Marlene Schmidt v. Muminjon Yusupov, Mukhsin Sayfiddinov, and Uber Technologies Inc. (Index No. 529022/2025), Hon. Gina Abadi, JSC, granted our application for an Emergency Order to Show Cause with an Interim Stay.
This ruling completely halts Uber’s attempts to force our client’s pedestrian injury claim into private arbitration while we fight to keep the case in public court.
What the Court’s Order Means (and Why It Matters)
When Ms. Schmidt was struck and injured by a departing Uber vehicle after her ride had concluded, Uber immediately attempted to bypass the court system. They initiated a private arbitration proceeding through the American Arbitration Association (AAA). Their goal was clear: strip our client of her constitutional right to a jury trial before a judge could even evaluate if the arbitration clause was valid.
To prevent this corporate overreach, we went to court on an emergency basis.
The Court’s April 16, 2026 Order acts as an immediate freeze on Uber’s strategy. It states that the private arbitration proceedings are temporarily stayed. This stay remains strictly in place until the Supreme Court formally hears and decides our broader application to permanently block the arbitration.
The Scope of the Freeze
Under this interim stay, both Uber Technologies Inc. and the AAA are legally forbidden from:
- Continuing or prosecuting the arbitration
- Litigating or adjudicating any claims in that private forum
- Taking any administrative actions of any kind regarding the AAA case
This preserves the status quo and ensures that Uber cannot run a “shadow” proceeding while the state court is still reviewing the legal limits of their digital contract.
The Legal Framework: How We Blocked the Arbitration
To secure this emergency intervention, we utilized specific New York procedural laws designed to protect individuals from being forced into unapproved arbitrations:
- CPLR § 7502(c): This section of New York’s Civil Practice Law and Rules allows a court to step in and issue temporary injunctions or stays in connection with an arbitration. We demonstrated to the judge that proceeding with arbitration before the court ruled on its validity would cause irreparable harm to our client’s rights.
- CPLR Articles 6301, 6311, 6312, and 6313: These provisions govern the issuance of Preliminary Injunctions and Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs). They provide the strict legal standards required to prove that an immediate, emergency halt to Uber’s actions was warranted.
- 22 NYCRR § 202.7(f): Before asking a judge for an emergency order, New York courts require strict notice procedures. We met all procedural requirements, proving to the Court that Uber and all relevant parties had been given proper, timely notice of our application.
The Court agreed that “sufficient reason” existed to halt Uber’s actions on an emergency basis.
The Bigger Picture: Fighting for Pedestrian and Passenger Rights
This temporary stay is a massive step forward in a critical legal battle. Rideshare companies want the public to believe that once you tap “I Agree” on an app, you have signed away your legal rights forever—even if you are struck as a pedestrian on a public street after your trip has ended.
We refuse to accept that argument. By securing this stay, we have held the line in Kings County, forcing Uber to face us in a public court of law to defend their contract.
A Warning to Injured Parties: If you are hurt in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, expect the defense to immediately look for a way to divert your case into a private, corporate-friendly arbitration room. Acting quickly with experienced counsel who understand New York’s procedural laws is the only way to protect your right to a fair trial.
Injured in an Accident? Let Held & Hines, LLP Stand Up to the Corporations
Defeating the legal tactics of multi-billion dollar companies like Uber and Lyft requires more than standard personal injury experience—it requires a deep understanding of contract law, arbitration procedures, and aggressive courtroom advocacy.
At Held & Hines, LLP, we do not back down when corporations try to rewrite the rules. Whether you were injured as a rideshare passenger, a pedestrian, or a motorist, we will fight to keep your case in a public courtroom where you can get the justice you deserve.
Contact Held & Hines, LLP today for a free, confidential evaluation of your case.