Motorist sues Jersey’s former bus company after collision while overtaking

Andrew Robertson, from St Clement, was driving east along Rue du Pont Marquet in St Brelade on 26 September 2012 when he tried to overtake the Connex bus, which was initially stationary.

In civil papers lodged with the Royal Court, Mr Robertson claims that after he indicated and pulled out to overtake, the bus moved out without warning and collided with his car.

Mr Robertson alleges that the bus driver, Vincent Paul Higgins, failed to indicate left while stationary or right while pulling out, did not keep a proper look out, drove out into the road when it was unsafe and did nothing to avoid a collision.

He claims that he was injured and eventually needed a full replacement shoulder, and is suing the firm for damages.

In reply, Connex Transport Jersey Ltd denies that Mr Higgins was negligent. They claim that their driver was indicating right when he pulled out and that the crash was caused, or at least partly caused, by Mr Robertson’s negligence.

They claim he overtook when it was not safe, failed to keep a proper look-out, failed to notice that the bus was indicating right and that he was driving too fast. They added that the car driver failed to stop, slow down or swerve to avoid the crash, and claim that the shoulder injury pre-dated the accident.

The case is due to be heard by the Royal Court at a later date.

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