THIRD PARTY RISKS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 30 March 1938, Page 11

THIRD PARTY RISKS

NOTIFICATION OF ACCIDENTS OBLIGATION OF MOTORISTS («v iVlpjrrai.h - Fwe Association t DUNEDIN, 29th March. | It is probable that there are many motorists who do not realise their duties under the Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) Act, 1928. which states that a motorist involved in an accident is obliged to see that prompt notice of the accident is given to the insurance company concerned. This obligation on the part of the motorist was forcibly brought home to defendant in the Magistrate’s Court this morning, when, through failing to notify the insurance company concerned. he was called upon to pay damages amounting to £47 7s 6d, which otherwise would have been met by the company. The case, the first of its kind to be heard in Dunedin, was that in which the South Island Motor Union Mutual Insurance Association proceeded against James Anderson, miner. Ohai, Southland. for £47 7s 6d, being an amount paid in respect of third party damage which had not been notified. Mr J. R. -Bartholomew, S.M., was on the bench. Mr E. J. Anderson, for plaintiff, slated that defendant was involved in a motor accident in which a young woman was injured The insurance company was not notified of the acci- j dent until three months later, when de- j 1 fendant sent in a bill that he had re- j ceived from the injured person’s solicitors. The Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) Act, 1928, stated that it was the duty of a motorist involved in an accident to see that j prompt notice of the accident was given j the insurance compnay. The magistrate gave judgment by I < default to the plaintiff company for the ] full amount, with costs £4 15s 6d. <