Carrier Liability for Transport Damage

A driver, while transporting construction materials, was involved in an accident causing damage to a structure, and the owner of the materials sued the driver for full compensation, arguing the driver was solely responsible for the accident. The appellate court found the driver partially at fault due to negligence in securing the load but held the owner equally liable because the driver was acting as an employee performing duties for the owner's benefit, establishing joint liability for the damages. The highest court quashed this decision, reasoning that the owner of the transported goods could not be held civilly liable for the fault of the carrier unless the owner had a direct obligation regarding the manner of transport, which was not established in this case, thus limiting responsibility to the driver.