D lost consciousness while driving and hit a tree, injuring P.
D claimed he had no history of losing consciousness and that he did not anticipate it.
Procedural History:
Lower court found for D.
DC Appellate Court affirmed, found for D.
Issues:
Is a party liable in negligence for injury caused by his unforeseeable and involuntary actions?
Holding/Rule:
A party is not liable in negligence for injuries caused by his unforeseeable and involuntary actions.
Reasoning:
D fainted right before the accident and had no prior history of fainting and did not anticipate it.
D did not any reason to know that he would have fainted.
If D knew of his condition, then a negligence case could have been brought based on D's recklessness for driving the car.
Dissent:
None.
Notes:
Negligence is the failure to exercise the degree of care which a person of ordinary prudence would exercise under the same circumstances. (reasonable care)
