Budget Rent-A-Car System, Inc. v. Chappell

MEMORANDUM

DALZELL, District Judge.

Joseph Powell, III rented a car from Budget Rent-A-Car Systems, Inc. in Michigan and drove it to New York, where he picked up Nicole Chappell. While Powell was driving through Pennsylvania with Chappell, the car was involved in an accident, and Chappell suffered serious injuries. Budget brought this action for a declaratory judgment on the extent of its vicarious liability for Powell’s negligence. The parties’ cross-motions for summary judgment, which raise vexing and consequential choice of law problems, are now before us. 1

Factual Background

While visiting…