What is the test for giving the last clear chance instruction in a motor vehicle accident?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from Zanon v. Moher, 136 Cal.App.2d 348, 288 P.2d 597 (Cal. App. 1955):

This case is distinguishable on its facts from those cases in which it is held proper to give the last clear chance instruction. In Selinsky v. Olsen, 38 Cal.2d 102, 105, 237 P.2d 645, 647, there was evidence that plaintiff's car was stalled in defendant's lane of traffic from between five seconds and one minute and defendant's view was unobstructed. The court there said: 'Thus we do not have a case in which plaintiff's car was in motion or suddenly appeared in defendant's path as existed in the authorities relied upon by defendant. The jury could have inferred also, that defendant knew or should have known, in the exercise of ordinary care, that plaintiff could not escape. Under the evidence most favorable to plaintiff, defendant could have seen plaintiff's car standing in the road ahead of him for a minute before the impact and thus could, by the exercise of ordinary care, have avoided the accident.'

Page 601

Other Questions


What is the test for determining whether a defendant is liable for a motor vehicle accident under the California Vehicle Accident Act or the California Motor Vehicle Act? (California, United States of America)
Can a plaintiff bring an action under the California Motor Vehicle Accident Prevention Act for damages arising out of a motor vehicle accident? (California, United States of America)
Does section 3110 of the Ontario Motor Vehicle Code of Civil Procedure (Motor Vehicle Accident and Accident Benefits Act) apply to a mechanic's lien claimant? (California, United States of America)
Does the last paragraph of the last clear chance instruction on contributory negligence in a motor vehicle accident case conflict with the previous paragraph in a similar case? (California, United States of America)
Does the phrase "as a result of" in a motor vehicle accident apply to a section of the Motor Vehicle Accident Act? (California, United States of America)
Can a defendant give a mistake of fact jury instruction in a motor vehicle accident trial where he got into the victims' vehicle because he thought it was his black SUV? (California, United States of America)
Is an employer's claim for reimbursement under section 3852 of the California Motor Vehicle Accident and Accident Compensation Act limited to recovery for damages proximately caused by the accident? (California, United States of America)
Does a "driver" for purposes of Vehicle Code section 20002 include an owner of a vehicle involved in a accident when the owner is also a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the accident? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for last clear chance in a motor vehicle accident? (California, United States of America)
In a motor vehicle accident case, how have the courts interpreted the standard factor (a)-(b) and (b) instruction in determining the severity of the accident? (California, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.