SINGAPORE: A Singapore permanent resident who
fractured his arms and right leg in an accident involving a van was
found to be "75 per cent" liable for the accident, a judge ruled on
Monday.
Hence, he is only entitled to a quarter of the claims, which will
be assessed by the court later.
Mr Thorben Langvad Linneberg, 41, a freelance consultant, had
claimed for general damages for his injuries, which include his
"pain, suffering and loss of amenities" and future transport
expenses. He also claimed for special damages close to S$263,000,
including medical expenses and loss of earnings.
Mr Linneberg, a Danish citizen, alleged that the collision on June
3, 2009, at Clemenceau Avenue North was caused solely by the
negligence of Madam Leong Mei Kuen, who was driving the van.
Mr Linneberg claimed that Mdm Leong had failed to keep a proper
lookout for his motorcycle and failed to signal right before
executing the U-turn or right turn.
His lawyer also suggested to Mdm Leong that she did not check her
right wing and rear view mirror, as well as her blind spot.
Mdm Leong denied his claims: She had checked for traffic on the
opposite side and on her side of the road before making the
turn.
Mdm Leong pointed out that she had stopped her vehicle to let a
student alight before the accident. She added that she had checked
for traffic and signalled right before engaging the gear to move
off.
She alleged that Mr Linneberg was riding his motorcycle at an
excessive speed and failed to keep a proper lookout.
Justice Lai Siu Chiu ruled that Mdm Leong's evidence was
consistent, while Mr Linneberg made no mention of the speed he was
travelling at when he was interviewed by the Traffic Police.
- TODAY