Gaines delivers a chair for Jasper Furniture and,before he goes back to the store,he goes 15 miles out of the way to visit a friend.On the way,he negligently runs a stop sign and hits Rick.Who can be held liable for the accident,and why?
A)Jasper Furniture under the doctrine of respondeat superior.
B)Gaines since his negligence caused the accident.
C)Gaines, but not Jasper Furniture, since Gaines had deviated from the purpose of his employment.
D)Both (a) and (b).
E)Both (b) and (c).

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gaines can be held liable for the accident because he was negligent and caused the accident. However, Jasper Furniture cannot be held liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior because Gaines deviated from the purpose of his employment when he went out of the way to visit a friend. Therefore, Gaines is solely responsible for the accident, but Jasper Furniture cannot be held vicariously liable for his actions.

Gaines Delivers a Chair for Jasper Furniture And,before He Goes