King v. County of Mendocino

This is a personal injury action against a county. The court instructed the jury only on negligence and refused instructions on the Public Liability Act (Gov. Code, § 53051). Verdict and judgment were for defendant, and plaintiff appeals, The principal issue is whether refusal to instruct on the Public Liability Act constitutes error prejudicial to plaintiff.

Plaintiff drove to his place of employment over a county road. On return trips, he traversed a down grade, at the top of which was a sign “Steep Grade, Úse Low Gear,” and which was also posted with a number of “Slow, Curve” signs. On the…