The kid didn't drive stick and in fact supposedly didn't even have a license, so it's really his fault and that of the dealership for creating a dangerous condition in their shop by not verifying his license and ability when hiring him for a job requiring him to drive. However, this is in Michigan and apparently you can't sue the employer in this kind of situation. I hope the jury doesn't find against the owner just out of a desire to hold SOMEBODY accountable, facts be damned.
At five years of age, I was driving the farm tractor.
My grandfather taught me how to use a clutch to shift
around nine.
I don’t believe a driver’s license is required on private
property, but it is true this kid was not qualified to be
behind the wheel even off public roads, and it does seem
to have cost a life.