In this first in a monthly series profiling some of the areas of expertise of expert witnesses, we talk to Doug Boulton of D and HB Associates about a topic all too prevalent at this time of year: road traffic accidents.
December is notorious for accidents. The nights are dark, people are in a hurry and distracted and some have been drinking ? despite the best efforts of police and other authorities to persuade them against driving after drinking. Fortunately, few result in injury and even fewer in prosecution for serious driving offences. But when they do, it is the job of people like Doug to help the courts when assessing culpability.
Doug is part of a team of five consultants who formed D and HB Associates following their retirement from police traffic departments, where they collectively clocked up over 100 years experience.
Said Doug: "I am regularly called upon by insurance companies or solicitors to look at police reports to help assess whether or not it is a case of Causing Death by Dangerous Driving or Careless Driving, or whether it was a tragic accident."
The results are poles apart: nowadays the penalty for Causing Death by Dangerous Driving is up to 14 years in prison and the courts are becoming more inclined to impose custodial sentences.
Doug stresses that he acts for the court and not for any party, no matter what kind of case it is.
"Although I am instructed by an insurance company, I am there to assist the court. I have been instructed in cases involving people from all walks of life, from ordinary car drivers to bus drivers, HGV drivers, motorcyclists and even police officers who have been involved in accidents while on duty."
In addition to criminal cases, Doug and the team have been instructed in civil cases, where the issue has been the assessing of liability and compensation.
D and HB Associates are based in Staffordshire, and have recently opened a new branch office near Carlisle. To find out more visit www.dandhb.com or view their directory entry.
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Chris Stokes 12/12/2011