Knudsen v. Hanlon

SEBRING, J.:

The appellees, Hanlon and Balderston, were injured while guests in an automobile owned by the appellant Knudsen. At the time of the accident Hanlon, Balderston, Knudsen and one Lalk were occupants of the car, which was being driven by Lalk in the presence of Knudsen. Hanlon and Balderston sued Knudsen, as owner of the car, in separate actions for damages, alleging gross negligence in the manner of the operation of the vehicle. To the declaration filed in these separate actions Knudsen interposed identical pleas of not guilty, assumption of risk amounting to contributory…