Sometimes it can take a tragedy to bring things into focus. The following story scared us so much that we felt we should share it with you.
Early last week one of our clients who operates a large fleet of trucks had a driver involved in a tragic and fatal accident with a motorcyclist.
We don't know all the circumstances yet, but there is nothing (so far) to suggest this was a particularly unique type of incident. Here is some of what we do know.
The motorcyclist was crushed when our truck was backing up to make way for oncoming traffic on a narrow rural section of road. No one present saw the motorcyclist (not our driver nor the drivers of the other vehicles present). This particular truck had forward facing cameras and reversing warnings, but no rear facing cameras so the driver has no evidence to help him explain how the bike ended up under his wheels.
Not only was the traumatised driver arrested at the scene, but the police also arrested the owner of the business and his elderly father, all of whom were taken into custody and held for almost 36 hours. A number of their other vehicles were seized and not all of them have yet been returned.
A truly terrifying experience and they now fear the prospect of a prosecution against the business and against themselves personally. Fortunately the fleet insurer involved has provided access to legal counsel and are assisting them in preparing a defence against whatever charges might arise, but the disruption to the business and the stress of the case will go on for many months. And if things go badly, it could be much worse than that.
If you operate an HGV and you only have forward facing cameras, you need to urgently consider fitting 360 degree cameras. They don't just protect your driver, they might just help keep you out of prison too.
Actions against the directors of a business that are involved in a serious accident or fatality are now absolutely routine. If you are the director of a business and you don't have Directors and Officers Insurance cover in place, you are putting yourself seriously at risk. If you run a fleet that causes an injury, its no longer just the driver that can be prosecuted. The consequences for you and your family's future could not be more serious.
If you would like to know more about the help and protection available for directors and officers, please speak to us now.
Contact - Richard Evans, Karl Jones or Jamie Agutter on 0208 669 0991
