76-year old escapes prosecution in tragic accident case
A 76-year old mobility scooter driver has avoided being prosecuted over the death of a 90-year old woman he knocked down and seriously injured with his scooter after it emerged that mobility scooter users are exempt from laws covering careless or dangerous driving.
This particular accident happened in a town on the Isle of Wight. As the 76-year old male drove his scooter along the pavement he apparently collided with the 90-year old woman, severely injuring her legs. Tragically the woman died a few days later in hospital on the island.
According to coverage of the incident on the Telegraph website, Police officers had originally hoped to bring charges of careless or dangerous driving against the man under the Road Traffic Act. However it was later found that drivers of mobility scooters are exempt from prosecution for either careless or dangerous driving. Other more unusual charges had been considered but in the end the District Crown Prosecutor for the Isle of Wight decided there was insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.
Mobility scooter injury claims
This case highlights the potential that mobility scooters have for causing serious injuries to other pedestrians using the pavement. Although mobility scooters are limited to 4mph, they can weigh as much as the person using them so they are capable of causing crushing injuries, as happened in this particular tragic accident.
Whilst it might be difficult to make a personal injury claim against a private individual who injured you with their mobility scooter, for a wide variety of other road traffic accidents it is possible to make a claim against the person responsible for causing the accident. Whatever the type of accident you have been involved in, Camps Solicitors aim to offer a free initial consultation to discuss the prospects of making a successful compensation claim. If we believe you have a case to make a claim, we can help you to recover the compensation you deserve on a No-Win No-Fee basis.
Call 0800 092 8586
Speak to one of our claims advisors about your claim.
This is not strictly accurate. Mobility scooters can do as much as 8 miles an hour although are not legally allowed/supposed to do this on the pavement. Also larger scooters can weigh well in excess of 20 stone.
Hi,
These are mobility scooters, not race cars.They help those that have trouble walking. They are not meant to be a mode of long distance transportation. Five MPH would be pretty fast if you bumped into someone while shopping at the mall.
Thanks,