Staples v. Duell

HOWELL, Chief Judge:

Julie Staples brought this suit against Charles Duell for damages arising out of an automobile accident that occurred near Duell’s property on Highway 61. Both parties moved for a directed verdict. The trial judge denied Staples’s motion, but granted Duell’s motion, finding that Duell owed no duty of care to Staples. We affirm.

I

During the early morning hours of May 24, 1997, Staples was driving from Charleston toward Summerville on Highway 61. As she drove, Staples encountered a dead pine tree in the road. Staples swerved but collided with the tree, causing her to suffer…