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Cass. civ., Sez. III, Ord., n. 24920 of 2024: Passenger Liability in Case of Road Accidents

The ruling n. 24920 of 2024 by the Court of Cassation provides significant insights regarding civil liability in the context of road accidents, particularly when passengers are transported by drivers under the influence of alcohol. The case in question involved A.A., who, after an accident, sought compensation for the damages suffered but was found to share blame for having accepted a ride from a driver in an evident state of intoxication.

The Legal Context of the Ruling

The Court of Appeal of Caltanissetta initially attributed a 50% share of liability to A.A., a decision that was later appealed to the Cassation. The Court emphasized that the appellant failed to meet the burden of filing the notification report, condemning the appeal to inadmissibility. This aspect highlights the importance of proper legal procedures in ensuring access to justice.

The Court of Cassation clarified that the inadmissibility of the appeal may also arise from the failure to present necessary documentation, underscoring the importance of procedural formalities.

Passenger Liability and European Legislation

A crucial aspect of the ruling concerns the interpretation of Article 1227 of the Civil Code in relation to Directive 2009/103/EC. The Court established that it cannot be generally asserted that a passenger is always at fault if transported by a driver under the influence of alcohol. It is necessary for the judge on the merits to evaluate the specific circumstances of each accident on a case-by-case basis.

  • The first principle established by the Court of Justice is that a rule excluding the right to compensation solely because the passenger was aware of the driver's intoxication is in conflict with community law.
  • The second principle allows member states to limit compensation only through case-by-case assessments, thus maintaining a balance between liability and the rights of passengers.

Conclusions

The ruling n. 24920 of the Court of Cassation represents an important assertion of passenger rights within the context of civil liability. It emphasizes the need for a detailed analysis of the circumstances of each incident, rather than the application of general and abstract principles. Furthermore, the interpretation of European legislation provides a framework of protection for passengers, ensuring that they are not unjustly penalized for the driver's behavior.