Monday, October 4, 1999
Michael Aurbach v. Angelina Gallina

No. 94,597

Place of Origin: Palm Beach County


Facts
Under Florida law, persons who let others use their motor vehicles can be liable for injuries that result from the other persons' negligence while driving. In this case, Louis & Carolina Gallina purchased a car for their daughters' use, though the car was titled solely in Carolina's name. Their daughter Angelina later was in a traffic accident that injured Auerbach, who sued her and her parents and was awarded damages. On appeal, the Fourth District Court reversed as to Louis Gallina's liability on grounds he was not an owner of the car because his name was not on the title. Auerbach appealed.