The State - News from Feb. 5, 1985

The state Supreme Court will decide whether a person selling a car to an unlicensed driver can be held liable for damages caused by that driver. The court agreed to decide the issue, nullifying an appeal court ruling that allowed the victim to sue the seller. The question is whether a victim in such cases can sue only the driver, who may have no money or insurance, or whether a suit will also be allowed against the dealer. The case stems from a lawsuit in which George Roland sued Golden Bay Chevrolet of San Leandro, after being injured in a 1979 crash. The suit said the dealer had sold a used van four days earlier to Ali Al Sabah, who drove past a stop sign and hit Roland’s vehicle broadside. Roland also said Golden Bay knew, or should have known, that Sabah had no driver’s license. Legally, one who carelessly gives a dangerous instrument to one who is incompetent to use it may be responsible for damages.