Nalli v. Peters, 149 N.E. 343

Nalli v. Peters

149 N.E. 343 | NY | 1925

Defendant John R. Peters lived at Rotterdam Junction, where he kept a store. He was the owner of a Hudson car. Silvester Nalli lived with the defendant. Nalli had a brother who lived in Amsterdam. The week before November 11, 1923, Peters had promised Nalli and his brother to take them for a ride in his car to St. Johnsville — an outing for Armistice Day. As the time approached, Peters discovered that he could not go on account of his wife's illness, and he thereupon asked Antonio Mondrone to take his place, and to drive these people to St. Johnsville in his, Peters', car. Mondrone lived at Rotterdam Junction, was a laborer working in the roundhouse for the railroad company. He was also a licensed chauffeur, and on other occasions, at Peters' request, had driven his car for him.

On the trip the car was overturned, and Silvester Nalli killed. There was evidence to show that the accident was due to Mondrone's negligence.

The judgment entered on the verdict of the jury in favor of the administrator of Nalli's estate, and against Peters and Mondrone, was reversed by the Appellate Division. A new trial was granted to Mondrone, but the complaint dismissed as to Peters.

If Mondrone were driving Peters' car at his request, on his, Peters', business, or enterprise, acting in this particular as his servant or agent, Peters would be liable for his negligence. Whether or not he was to receive pay would merely be evidence bearing upon the question. Peters might be liable even though Mondrone was to receive no compensation. (Althorf v. Wolfe,22 N.Y. 355; Wyllie v. Palmer, 137 N.Y. 248.) We think that there was evidence in this case from which the jury might find, or reasonably infer, that Mondrone was driving for the defendant, at his request, and for his benefit; that at the time of the accident he was engaged on the defendant's business, or undertaking. Even one acting under such circumstances as a volunteer, might render *180 the owner of the car liable. (See Althorf v. Wolfe, supra.) The liability for the acts of another is not dependent upon the strict relationship of master and servant, but upon relationship of similar nature, where one acts for another, at his request, express or implied, for his benefit, and under his direction. Under such circumstances, the negligence of the agent is the negligence of the master or the principal. (Lowell v.Williams, 183 App. Div. 701; affd., 228 N.Y. 592; Orlando v.Pioneer Barber Towel Supply Co., 239 N.Y. 342; Ferris v.Sterling, 214 N.Y. 249.)

The judgment of reversal must be modified in so far as it dismisses the complaint against John Peters; and a new trial granted, with costs to abide event.

HISCOCK, Ch. J., CARDOZO, POUND, McLAUGHLIN. ANDREWS and LEHMAN, JJ., concur.

Judgment accordingly.