News

Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing Client Dismissed from Motor Vehicle Litigation in Chicago

October 12, 2021 – Press Release

October 12, 2021 (Chicago, IL) – Hawkins Parnell & Young attorneys Catherine Goldhaber and Matthew Dowling secured a dismissal for their peer-to-peer car sharing clients in a Cook County case, prevailing on a motion to dismiss at the pleading stage of the litigation. The plaintiff alleged negligent entrustment against the peer-to-peer car sharing platform, the vehicle owner, and the individual who rented a vehicle to make food deliveries.

Hawkins Parnell argued that the plaintiff could not sufficiently allege a negligent entrustment claim against the peer-to-peer platform and the vehicle owner. Catherine and Matt also contended that the plaintiff could not allege such a claim under the federal Graves Amendment, which preempts negligence claims against car rental businesses. The judge agreed that a negligent entrustment claim was not sufficiently pleaded and granted dismissal of both the peer-to-peer car sharing platform and the vehicle owner.