North Pacific Insurance v. Christensen

In this case, we must determine whether a passenger who causes an accident by unexpectedly grabbing the steering wheel of a motor vehicle is the operator of that vehicle for purposes of underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. We hold that, under the facts of this case, the passenger assumed physical control of the vehicle. Therefore, the passenger was the operator of the vehicle for purposes of the UIM provisions of this particular policy.

FACTS

Robert Christensen, a 16-year-old student, was driving his family’s car in traffic when Christensen’s high school friend, Christopher Chase, reached over…