Houghton v Stannard

Houghton v Stannard

The claimant's Metro, with hazard warning lights on and positioned close to the nearside edge, did not present a dangerous obstruction. The defendant had ample opportunity to see and avoid the stationary vehicle. The claimant acted reasonably and allegations of contributory negligence are rejected.

Parties
Claimant: Houghton; Defendant: Stannard
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
29 October 2003
Procedural Posture
Running Down Action / Judgment on Contributory Negligence
Outcome
Allegations of contributory negligence rejected; defendant found negligent as admitted.
Legal Topics
Negligence, Contributory Negligence, Road Traffic Accident

Case Brief

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Parties

Houghton

Claimant

Stannard

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Running Down Action / Judgment on Contributory Negligence

  1. 1 Whether the claimant was guilty of contributory negligence for driving a car at risk of breakdown, failing to park completely off the road, and remaining in the stationary vehicle on the carriageway

Ratio Decidendi

The claimant's Metro, with hazard warning lights on and positioned close to the nearside edge, did not present a dangerous obstruction. The defendant had ample opportunity to see and avoid the stationary vehicle. The claimant acted reasonably and allegations of contributory negligence are rejected.

Court Disposition

Allegations of contributory negligence rejected; defendant found negligent as admitted.