In tort law, when multiple parties are joint tortfeasors, what is typically a defendant's best course of action?

In tort law, when multiple parties are joint tortfeasors, a defendant's best course of action is generally to seek contribution from the other involved parties. This principle allows a party who has been found liable to recover a portion of the damages from other parties who also share liability for the harm caused. The rationale is that all defendants should bear their fair share of the responsibility for the injury or damage.

Seeking contribution can be beneficial because it allows a defendant to reduce the financial burden they face from a judgment or settlement. In many jurisdictions, the rules regarding contribution can vary, but typically they will allow a joint tortfeasor who has paid more than their share to recover that excess amount from the others responsible for the tortious act. This pursuit ensures a more equitable distribution of damages among parties responsible for the harm, aligning with the fundamental principles of fairness in tort law.

The option to seek indemnity involves one party seeking to transfer the entire loss to another party, which may not always be available or appropriate in cases of joint tortfeasance. Claiming that another party is at fault might serve as a defense strategy but does not effectively address the individual defendant's liability sharing. Similarly, deflecting responsibility to a vehicle owner may not