Snell v. Norwalk Yellow Cab Inc.

Plaintiff was injured when she was struck by the defendant’s taxi. Defendant parked the taxi and left it unlocked with the key in the ignition. The taxi was then stolen and shortly after struck the plaintiff. Court held that the doctrine of superseding cause applies in cases where a third party is criminally reckless. Also, held that the jury’s finding that the defendant’s negligence was the proximate cause of the injuries and the theft was a superseding cause of the injuries are legally inconsistent. Thus, plaintiff was entitled to a new trial.