[CurtEgerer]

I'm originally from Michigan. I know nothing about the case and didn't read the article. But I do know that MI has 'No-Fault' insurance. Just like it implies, fault in an accident makes no difference - the vehicle owner's insurance pays. This includes anyone who was authorized by the owner to drive the car (obviously, this was implied by leaving the vehicle for service at the dealer - the dealer's employees were authorized to drive the car.) Since the car was being driven when the accident occurred, the vehicle owner's insurance company is responsible.

All that said, the reason for No-Fault insurance is to reduce the number of lawsuits and get the cases resolved quickly for the injured parties. So once the mechanic's family is paid, the various insurance companies duke it out behind the scenes via subrogation (this process rarely includes a trial). In this case, it is likely that the dealership's insurance will eventually be reimbursing the vehicle owner's insurance. The owner of the vehicle is not going to be out a dime.

I'm not a lawyer, but I do enjoy Perry Mason reruns.