Van Sweringen v. Wagner

MAUCK, J.

Epitomized Opinion

Published Only in Ohio Law Abstract

Wagner sued Van' Sweringen in Common Pleas for injuries sustained by collision while riding in Vala’s car. Vala’s negligence was apparent, his car being on wrong side of road, while Van Sweringen’s car was on right side. Van Sweringen’s car was driven by his chauffeur in conveying Mrs. Jenks, employed and residing on Van Sweringen’s country estate, to her residence. No question in pleading or evidence was raised as to her use of the car without consent. Motion to strike out allegation as to “Last Chance doctrine” Was refused. Issue was on this allegation, Van Sweringen, denied any negligence and alleged sole negligence on Wagner’s part. The court instructed concerning contributory negligence. Evidence Was offered and refused that both Wagner and Vala had the smell of whiskey about them. Van Sweringen prosecuted error, the Court of Appeals holding:

1. Considering location of cars propriety of judgment might be questioned were not the record singularly free from error.

2. Owner’s acquiescence in use of car by employes not being denied, jury is warranted that the owner consented thereto.

3. Refusal to strike out part of specification alleging that defendant in exercise of reasonable care could have’ seen dangerous position of plaintiff would have been erroneous, but not being struck out, instruction to jury thereon Was proper. Defendant cannot so plead as to create an issue, such as contributory negligence or sole, negligence and complain that court correctly charged on such issue. Glass v. Heffron Co. 86 OS. 70.

4. Evidence that witness smelled liquor on breaths of Wagner and Vala should have been admitted though its rejection worked no substantial prejudice.

Attorneys — Weed, Rothenberg, McMorris & Smith, for Van Sweringen; Snyder, Henry, Thomsen, Ford & Seagrave, for Wagner; all of Cleveland.