Donovan Arthur Trana v. Sarah Catherine Smith, Thomas John Smith, and Owners Insurance Company

MCDONALD, Judge.

Donovan Trana filed a personal injury suit against Sarah Smith, Tom Smith, and Owners Insurance Company after Trana was involved in a car accident with the Smiths' adult son. Trana asserted claims for vicarious liability under Iowa Code section 321.493 (2017) and negligent entrustment. Trana alleged the Smiths were negligent in purchasing a vehicle for their adult son knowing the son had a history of mental illness, traffic violations, and drug addiction. Trana also alleged the Smiths were the constructive owners of the vehicle. The district court granted the defendants'…