Tart v. Martin

WAINWRIGHT, Justice.

This appeal involves the theory of negligent entrustment, which imposes liability upon the owner of a motor vehicle for a third party’s negligent operation of the vehicle. On 5 October 1998, plaintiff Willie B. Tart filed suit against defendants James L. Martin and Peggy H. Martin, alleging that defendants were liable for their son’s negligence in an automobile accident under the family purpose doctrine and the theory of negligent entrustment. Defendants answered denying their liability and thereafter filed a motion for summary judgment. On 10 February 1999, the trial…