Wilson v. Sibert

535 P.2d 1034 (1975)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

Sibert (D) was in line in his car at a drive-in bank window. Wilson (P) was in a car just behind D by four or five feet. D then noticed the car in front of him starting to back up, and D shifted his car into reverse in reaction and backed up into P's car. P sued for damages. During trial, D testified that his maneuver was motivated by sheer reaction and reflex and admitted that he did not know if a car was behind him. The case was submitted to the jury under instructions regarding negligence and the sudden emergency doctrine. D got the verdict and P appealed.