When a woman using a ride share service was involved in an accident, what should the court determine?

In this situation, determining which state's laws apply in terms of negligence is crucial because issues of liability, duty of care, and the standard of care are all governed by state laws. Negligence is not a uniform standard across states; different jurisdictions may have varying definitions of what constitutes negligent behavior and the corresponding legal standards that impact the case.

For instance, if the accident occurred in a state that has more lenient standards for determining negligence, this could have significant ramifications for the outcome of the case. Conversely, if the accident happened in a state with stricter standards or different contributory negligence rules, these legal frameworks would also affect how the case is adjudicated.

Without first establishing which state's negligence laws are applicable, the court would not be able to move forward effectively with the case, including the liability of the ride-share company or the calculation of damages owed to the woman. Thus, understanding the relevant legal standards from the correct jurisdiction becomes foundational for the court’s subsequent determinations.