MOTOR SENSATION

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11435, 3 February 1923, Page 14

MOTOR SENSATION

DRIVER TO PAY £2900 DAMAGES TO FRIENDS IN CAR. LONDON, November 28. A sensation has been caused in motoring circles by a verdict in the King’s Bench Division. Substantial damages were awarded two women who had been injured in an accident to a motor-car driven by a friend, whose car they occupied aa guests. The case was that in which Mr Eric Bransby Williams and Miss Ida Constance Bransby Williams, 6on and daughter of Mr Bransby Williams, the impersonator of Dickens characters, were sued by Miss Elsie May Hawkes and Miss Edith Florence Butler, of Woodbourne avenue, Streatham, wbo were both injured by the accident, and Mr ,J. G. F. Butler, uncle of Miss Hawes and father of Miss Butler, who had paid the expenses occasioned by the injuries amounting to 42725. The motor-car belonged to Mr Eric Bransby Williams. It was being driven by Miss Ida Bransby Williams. There were also in the oar Miss Hawes and Miss Butler, and Mre Bransby Williams. mother of the two defendants. Mr Eric Bransby Williams was not in the car, but he was alleged to be responsible as. its owner. Near Petworth the car struck a sow, overturned, and injured the occupants The jury found that Miss Ida Williams was guilty of negligence, but that she was not the agent or servant of Mr Erio Bransby Williams. They assessed the damages as follows: £2OO to Miss Butler. £2OOO to Miss Hawes. Judgment was entered against Miss Ida Williams for the sums mentioned, and for £7OO to Mr Butler. Judgment was entered for Mr .Eric Williams, with costs. \ During a somewhat heated controversy between counsel at the close of the case. Miss Williams became hysterical, and was led from the court sobbing loudly. ' MOTORISTS’ VIEWS. EFFECT ON INSURANCE AND HOSPITALITY. "This judgment,” said an official of the Automobile Association to a. "Daily News” representative, on hearing of the decision, "will make people a good deal moro careful about their insurance policies. A complete policy covering third party risks includes damage to passengers, but a good; many motorists economise 'by taking out a policy which covers only damage to themselves. "The judgment will cause rander-in-sured motorists to think twice before taking friends- for a ride. "As a rule, it is understood that passengers go at t'heir own risk. If- they are going to sue a driver for the consequences of a momentary error of judgment, owners of cars will certainly become lees hospitable.’