Kenzie Godfrey was a passenger in a taxi when it collided with a car driven by Dawn Altieri. Altieri had originally leased the car from G. E. Capital Auto Lease, Inc. By the time of the accident, she had bought it, but she had not fully paid for it or completed the transfer-of-title paperwork. Godfrey suffered a brain injury and sought to recover damages from the owner of the car that Altieri was driving. 1. Who had title to the car at the time of the accident? Explain

Let's look at some facts:

1. Dawn Altieri has leased a car from GE Auto lease

2. Dawn Altieri had an accident where she caused an injury to Kenzie Godfrey

3. At the same time of an accident, Dawn Altieri owned the car although she had not completed the transfer of title formalities.

4. Kenzie Godfrey suffered brain damage and claimed damages from owner of the car

Under the UCC it is assumed that when the physical goods are handed by the seller to the buyer the title has passed. However, when the goods are leased the title remains with the lessor-owner.

Although Dawn Altieri has originally leased the vehicle, she had now purchased it. Therefore, even though final formalities have not completed, she was the tile-holder of the vehicle.

Therefore, Dawn Altieri was liable for the damages claimed by Kenzie Godfrey.