Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 11 JUNE 2024

Contributory Negligence Finding Despite Adherence To Speed Limit

Dillon Eustace
Dillon Eustace
Contributor
Dillon Eustace

Dillon Eustace

Dillon Eustace is one of Ireland’s leading law firms focusing on asset management and investment...

View firm profile
Explore more from Dillon Eustace

The High Court, in James v Halliday [2024] IEHC 281, has held that the estate of a tractor driver was 75% liable for a fatal road traffic accident, which also caused significant injuries...

IrelandLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration

The High Court,  in James v Halliday [2024] IEHC 281, has held that the estate of a tractor driver was 75% liable for a fatal road traffic accident, which also caused significant injuries to the plaintiff car driver. The tractor did not have an illuminated safety beacon as required by The Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 2014. However, the plaintiff was found to be 25% contributory negligent for the accident on account of driving too fast for the conditions, despite being within the speed limit for the road in question.

Background

The collision occurred between the plaintiff's car and a tractor travelling in the same direction at approximately 6.50am in January 2018. The road surface was wet but it was not raining, there was no frost and the surface of the road was in good condition. The accident occurred on a national road but the court noted it was in a rural area, with no street lighting, no hard shoulder and a single carriageway on

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

See more popular content from