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Pedestrian Follows Google Map, Gets Run Over, Sues

Posted by Soulskill on from the america-amazes-me-sometimes dept.

Hugh Pickens writes "The Toronto Star reports that a Utah woman is suing Google for more than $100,000 in damages, claiming its maps function gave her walking directions that led her onto a major highway, where she was struck by a car. Lauren Rosenberg sought directions between two addresses in Utah about 3 kilometers apart and the top result suggested that she follow a busy rural highway for several hundred meters. The highway did not have sidewalks or any other pedestrian-friendly amenities, and Rosenberg was struck by a car. Rosenberg filed suit against both the driver of the car that struck her and Google, claiming both carried responsibility in her injury. Her lawyers claim Google is liable because it did not warn her that the route would not offer a safe place for a pedestrian to walk. Google has pointed out that the directions Rosenberg sought come with a warning of caution for pedestrians, but Rosenberg claims that she accessed the Maps function on her Blackberry mobile device, where it did not include the warning."

5 of 699 comments (clear)

  1. For serious? by millennial · · Score: 5, Insightful

    People walk on busy highways without sidewalks and think they're going to be perfectly safe? Why on earth would a thinking person even consider going by that route?

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    1. Re:For serious? by snowraver1 · · Score: 5, Insightful

      I would take that route if is saved me time. I would also be cautious and watch for traffic. People walk along highways all the time without incident, she was either inattentive or unlucky.

      Should google have to write warnings for all dangers? WARNING: You are about to cross the road. Our records show that this intersection has a crosswalk. Please wiat until the red hand turns into a white funny-looking guy before proceeding. Be sure to check both ways for traffic before stepping onto the road. Be aware that there may be other pedestrians crossing the road. Be sure not to collide with them. Caution! Be aware that there may be open manholes! DO NOT step on a manhole that has it's cover removed. For a full list of applicable warnings, please go to www.google.ca/pleasetiemyshoes/

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    2. Re:For serious? by timeOday · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Yes, it's absurd. But remember, she hasn't won anything yet, just filed a suit. And anybody can file a suit claiming almost anything. I think I will save my vitriol for the legal system until/if she wins.

    3. Re:For serious? by sjames · · Score: 5, Insightful

      The absurd part is that Google is now obligated to expend resources to answer this groundless suit. Even in winning, they'll lose.

  2. Re:Um. by nospam007 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    In my opinion she has the right to be refunded all the money she paid for using google maps.