Driver's Liability for Accident Involving Stolen Vehicle

The case involved an individual who, while operating a vehicle that was declared stolen but which they were driving with authorization from a third party who claimed ownership, caused an accident resulting in damage to another vehicle. The driver appealed a civil judgment holding them liable for the damages, arguing that since the vehicle was stolen, the civil responsibility should fall upon the true owner or those who benefited from the use of the stolen property rather than the driver who was merely borrowing it. The Court of Cassation rejected the appeal, reasoning that Article 1384, paragraph 1 of the Civil Code establishes a strict liability principle for the custodian of a thing that causes damage, and in this context, the driver, as the person in control and use of the vehicle at the time of the accident, remained legally responsible for the damage caused, irrespective of fault or ownership disputes.