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[2019] NSWCA 202
Court of Appeal (NSW)
2019-06-24
Basten JA, Macfarlan JA, McCallum JA, Mr P
Original judgment source is linked above.
Solicitors: Hall & Wilcox Lawyers (Appellant) Byrnes Lawyers (Respondent) File Number(s): 2019/8079 Decision under appeal Court or tribunal: District Court Jurisdiction: Civil Date of Decision: 14 December 2018 Before: Yehia SC DCJ File Number(s): 2014/150247
[Note: The Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005 provide (Rule 36.11) that unless the Court otherwise orders, a judgment or order is taken to be entered when it is recorded in the Court's computerised court record system. Setting aside and variation of judgments or orders is dealt with by Rules 36.15, 36.16, 36.17 and 36.18. Parties should in particular note the time limit of fourteen days in Rule 36.16.]
headnote [This headnote is not to be read as part of the judgment] On 18 June 2012 the defendant, Ms Ayre, was travelling north-west on Lake Road, Port Macquarie. Ms Ayre sought to make a right-hand turn into a commercial driveway. There was oncoming traffic, relevantly a car driven by Mr Michael Smith and a motorcycle driving by the plaintiff, Mr Swan. Mr Swan was travelling behind Mr Smith so that Ms Ayre's view of the motorcycle was entirely obscured by Mr Smith's vehicle. Ms Ayre commenced her right-hand turn without coming to a complete stop. As Ms Ayre was undertaking her turn, Mr Swan increased his speed beyond the speed limit, passing Mr Smith on his inside. Mr Swan hit the back passenger side of Ms Ayre's vehicle and suffered injuries to his left leg and knee. The incident was captured on CCTV footage from nearby business premises. Experts assessed the likely speed of the vehicles immediately prior to the accident. Mr Swan commenced proceedings in the District Court, claiming his injuries were caused by Ms Ayre's negligent driving. The trial judge found that Ms Ayre was liable for Mr Swan's injuries and assessed contributory negligence at 50%. Mr Swan received damages in the amount of $307,365.46. Ms Ayre appealed against: (1) the finding of liability; (2) the assessment of contributory negligence; and (3) the quantum of damages awarded. The Court (Macfarlan and McCallum JJA, Basten JA dissenting) allowed the appeal in relation to contributory negligence only and held: In relation to issue (1): Per Macfarlan and McCallum JJA:
Judgment
Evidence as to circumstances of collision
Reasoning of trial judge
Expert evidence of speed of motorcycle
Conclusions as to liability
Orders
Contributory negligence
Damages
Past economic loss
Future economic loss
Endnotes
Ayre
Swan
(2001) 206 CLR 512
(2016) 66 MVR 241
(1985) 59 ALJR 492
(2007) 234 CLR 330
[1985] HCA 34