Judgment No. 10394 of 2024: Civil Liability and Intentional Damage in Circulation

The recent ruling of the Court of Cassation, with judgment No. 10394 of April 17, 2024, has raised important questions regarding mandatory automobile liability insurance (RCA) and the coverage of intentionally caused damages. The Court, addressing a specific case, reaffirmed fundamental principles concerning the driver's liability and the applicability of insurance policies, even in contexts of unconventional vehicle use.

The Case and the Court's Decision

The case in question involved an accident that occurred in an plowed field, where a driver hit the victim after chasing her. The ruling of the Court of Appeal of Ancona had initially denied the applicability of the RCA policy, arguing that the damage occurred in an area not ordinarily designated for transit. However, the Court of Cassation overturned that decision, establishing that the insurance covers also the damages intentionally caused by the driver, provided that the use of the vehicle is consistent with its usual function.

In general, mandatory automobile liability insurance covers, only towards the damaged party and not also the responsible party, the damage intentionally caused by the latter, even when the circulation area is not ordinarily designated for transit, as long as the use of the vehicle is consistent with its usual function, as happens when the damage is determined by its movement, albeit improperly in relation to its nature as a means of transport. (Applying this principle, the S.C. overturned with a referral the judgment that had denied the applicability of the RCA policy concerning damages suffered by a woman as a result of the intentional accident she was a victim of by the driver of a car who, after chasing her, reached her in a plowed field and hit her twice).

Legal and Regulatory Implications

This ruling fits within a well-defined legal context established by Italian and European regulations, which lay down clear principles regarding civil liability and insurance coverage. In particular, Article 2054 of the Italian Civil Code clarifies that anyone using a vehicle is responsible for damages caused to third parties. Furthermore, Legislative Decrees, such as No. 209 of 2005, highlight the importance of the RCA policy in ensuring adequate protection for the injured parties.

  • Civil liability in the event of road accidents is regulated by the Civil Code.
  • The RCA policy must cover not only damages caused by negligence but also those intentionally caused.
  • The context in which the accident occurs can influence the insurance coverage but does not automatically exclude it.

Conclusions

Judgment No. 10394 of 2024 represents an important confirmation of the rights of the injured parties and the responsibilities of insurers. It clarifies that, in the event of intentional damage, RCA policies must guarantee the necessary protection, even in particular situations like the one examined. Drivers must be aware of their responsibilities, while the injured parties must know that they are entitled to adequate compensation, regardless of the dynamics of the accident. This decision, therefore, not only clarifies fundamental legal aspects but also strengthens trust in insurance coverage in difficult situations.

Bianucci Law Firm