Burton v Evitt

Burton v Evitt

The appellant failed to exercise due care by not taking additional steps to check for overtaking motorcyclists in a blind spot created by the vehicle behind, justifying a finding of negligence. However, the respondent's gross negligence in speed and overtaking warranted a revised apportionment of liability to 80/20.

Parties
Respondent/claimant: Burton; Appellant/defendant: Evitt
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
28 October 2011
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / Court of Appeal Judgment
Outcome
Appeal allowed in part
Legal Topics
Negligence, Contributory Negligence, Road Traffic Accident

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

Burton

Respondent/claimant

Evitt

Appellant/defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / Court of Appeal Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the trial judge erred in finding the appellant negligent
  2. 2 Whether the apportionment of liability was correct

Ratio Decidendi

The appellant failed to exercise due care by not taking additional steps to check for overtaking motorcyclists in a blind spot created by the vehicle behind, justifying a finding of negligence. However, the respondent's gross negligence in speed and overtaking warranted a revised apportionment of liability to 80/20.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed in part

Orders

  • Apportionment of liability set aside
  • Liability apportioned 80/20 in favour of the appellant