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

2. 2 2

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

4. Police investigation 4 4

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

6. 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

7. Criminal Proceedings 7 7

8. 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

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

10. Coroner/inquest proceedings10 10

11. 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

12. 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

13. Civil Proceedings 13 13

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

15. 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

16. 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

17. Prevention 17 17

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

19. 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

20. Lyons Davidson Solicitors, Plymouth
Any questions?
Thank you
Roger W Henderson
Lyons Davidson Solicitors, Plymouth
Tel: 20 20