Fatal Road Traffic Collisions An Overview of the Legal Process Roger W Henderson Partner, Lyons Davidson Solicitors

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Contents Police investigation Criminal proceedings Coroner/inquest proceedings Civil proceedings Prevention 3

Police investigation 4 4

Police investigation Securing scene, preservation, forensics Witnesses CCTV/onboard cameras Tachographs Telematics Mobile phones Vehicle examinations Reconstruction 5

Road death investigation a) ACPO Manual b) Life-changing injuries c) Family Liaison Officer (FLO) d) Social media e) MOD/emergency services/HSE Inquest opened but adjourned Police collision report finalised and submitted to CPS and Coroner 6

Criminal Proceedings 7 7

Criminal Proceedings CPS, generally within 6 months Review collision report, evidence, police recommendation Offences/sentences: - Death by dangerous driving - Death by careless driving under influence of drink/drugs - Death by careless or inconsiderate driving 8

Corporate manslaughter Aggravating factors Family’s wishes Impact statement Public interest What is ‘Justice’ - Financial? - Imprisonment? - Prevention? - Restorative? 9 9

Coroner/inquest proceedings 10 10

Coroner/inquest proceedings Resumption of inquest Violent or unnatural death Who, when, where, how Usually after any criminal trial Fact-finding, not blame Right not to self-incriminate Post-mortem report Automatism/medical history 11

If criminal conviction, often no full inquest Recent changes a) Chief Coroner/Ministry of Justice b) No longer ‘accidental death’ c) Disclosure improved d) Action to prevent future deaths If criminal conviction, often no full inquest After inquest, police collision report available 12 12

Civil Proceedings 13 13

Civil Proceedings Negligence Evidence from criminal trial/convictions/ inquest helpful Balance of probabilities Three-year time limit 14 14

Main claims: a) Bereavement award - very limited b) Funeral expenses - reasonableness c) Financial dependency - lost income, pension, company benefits d) Services dependency - DIY, gardening, decorating, child care Reduction for ill health/poor life expectancy/redundancy Approval of children’s claims 15 15

Own personal injury claim PTSD claims – very high legal hurdles Uninsured/untraced drivers - Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) Contributory negligence: - Speed - Alcohol/drugs - Seatbelt - If pedestrian/cyclist - dark clothing/poor lighting - If passenger - knowledge 16 16

Prevention 17 17

Prevention Casualty Statistics 2012: Fatal cases Road deaths 1,754 Seriously injured 23,039 Slightly injured 170,930 Total casualties 195,723 Fatal cases 18 18

Fatigue/medication/drugs Driving test/graduated licence proposals Limit cars by cc or bhp? Improved car safety/telematics Road safety initiatives: - Brake - Learn to Live - The Honest Truth 19 19

Lyons Davidson Solicitors, Plymouth Any questions? Thank you Roger W Henderson Lyons Davidson Solicitors, Plymouth Tel: 01752 300 536 rhenderson@lyonsdavidson.co.uk 20 20