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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par CIVIL JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16716071 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16716071 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 CIVIL ACTION NO. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071 HBC0}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 156 OF 1999
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16716071 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16716071 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 SHILA WATI PRASAD}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 d/o Alak Narain}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 widow as the Administratrix of the estate
\par of her}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071\charrsid16716071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 late husband Sharda Prasad
\par s/o Shew Prasad
\par Plaintiff}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071\charrsid16716071 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16716071 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 PUBLIC TRUSTEE OF FIJI,}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071\charrsid16716071 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 as the}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Administrator of the estate of
\par Bal Krishna Naicker s/o Chinadoy}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Deceased
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16716071 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16716071 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 TEVITA RATUVA
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16716071 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 SHAN MUGA VELLU
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 S/o Saga Dewan
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\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Defendants}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071\charrsid16716071 
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\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Mr. D. Singh for the Plaintiff
\par Mr. H. Nagin for}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071\charrsid16716071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 3rd and 4th Defendants}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071\charrsid16716071 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16716071 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 JUDGMENT}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071\charrsid16716071 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16716071 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 By }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 writ of summons}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071  dated }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 22}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 March}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 1999}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Shila Wati Prasad}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
as the administratrix of the estate of her late husband }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Sharda Prasad}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071  (the \lquote }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 deceased}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 \rquote ) has sued the defendants }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
The Public Trustee of Fiji }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 (}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 D1}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 ), }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Tevita Ratuva}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071  (}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 D2}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 ), }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Shan Muga Vellu }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 (}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 D3}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 ) and }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Diamond Express}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071  (}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 D4}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 ) for damages under the }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Compensation to Relatives Act, Cap. 29}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071  and damages under the }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Death and Interest) Act, Cap. 27}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071  as a result of a road traffic accident on Queen
\rquote s Road near Korovisilou on 21 June 1996.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 The plaintiff is not now proceeding against the first and second defendants.}{
\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
\par 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Background facts}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071\charrsid16716071 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 In this case there was a collision between a }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 taxi registered No. E6390}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071  driven by }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Bal Krishna Naicker }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 (also deceased)}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 in which the said }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Sharda Prasad}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 (the deceased) was a passenger and a heavy goods vehicle }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
registered number CH907}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071  coming from the opposite direction and going towards Nadi.
\par 
\par The said }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Naicker }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 was killed in the accident together with the said }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Prasad.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 The Public Trustee has been sued as the nominal defendant (}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 D1}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 ) as the administrator of Naicker\rquote s Estate under }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Section 8}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071  of the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Succession Probate}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 and Administration Act, Cap.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 60}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
The D1 appeared in Court but \lquote dropped out\rquote  as he is only a nominal defendant.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 The taxi was owned by }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Tevita Ratuva}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 , the second defendant (D2).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 He could not be traced so the claim against him was withdrawn.
\par 
\par The third defendant }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Shan Muga Vellu}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071  (}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 D3}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 ) was the driver of the said }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 goods}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 vehicle}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071  acting as the servant or agent of the fourth defendant }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Diamond Express}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071  (}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 D4}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 ).
\par 
\par As a result of the said collision the deceased Sharda Prasad sustained serious personal injuries resulting in his death on the same day.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 It is the plaintiff\rquote s case that the accident occurred as a result of negligent driving on the part of both the drivers.
\par 
\par The issue for the Court\rquote s determination is as to whose negligence was it that caused the death of the deceased Sharda Prasad.
\par 
\par Before the hearing of the action commenced there was a long discussion on whether the Court should decide liability first, and depending on the outcome to assess damages.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Mr Nagin insisted that liability should be decided first whereas Mr. D. Singh for the plaintiff was of the contrary view as he wanted both liability and assessment dealt with together.
\par 
\par Having heard both counsel on this aspect I decided that in all fairness I ought to consider liability first and thereafter, if necessary, do assessment of damages separately after hearing evidence from both sides.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s1\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16716071 \b\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
Consideration of the issue of liability
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16716071 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
\par It is agreed that there was a collision between the two vehicles resulting in the death of the deceased. The accident took place at about 7.00 p.m. on Queen\rquote s Road near Korovisilou at a bend on the road.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 It was a dark night and the road was wet.
\par 
\par There was no prosecution arising out of the accident.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 The D3 
(the present driver) was not charged whereas the taxi driver (the deceased) died.
\par 
\par Mr. D. Singh, counsel for the plaintiff, concedes this much that both drivers were equally to be blamed for the accident.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
But then he says that the Court is to decide on the evidence before it the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 degree of negligence}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
 on the part of each of the drivers.
\par 
\par Mr. Singh submits that Serjeant Naidu came on the scene afterwards and he therefore could not have witnessed the accident.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
His opinion that the deceased was at fault could not be accepted without analysing all the other evidence in this case.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
If either driver was prosecuted, the proof would have to be beyond all reasonable doubt.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
It appears that the police thought that both the drivers were at fault, neither was charged.
\par 
\par The }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 D3}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071  (}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 the truck driver}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
) says that he saw the taxi 4 chains away from where he first saw it but he took no evasive action although he did not say that the taxi was on the incorrect side, but then he admitted in cross-examination that both of them were driving
 in their own lanes.
\par 
\par It appears from }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 P.C. Josaia Naisarani\rquote s}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
 evidence that the point of impact was in the centre of the road as all the debris i.e. broken glasses and vehicle parts of the taxi were in the centre of the road.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 P.C. Josaia was the one who drew the sketch plan of the scene of the accident and has given the necessary measurements.
\par 
\par The evidence reveals that both the drivers were at one stage on their correct side and they were attempting to pass each other when the truck driver went too close t
o the centre of the road when the tray of the truck hit the right hand side of the taxi causing damage to it.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
The front of both the vehicles passed each other safely.
\par 
\par It is in evidence that the D3 should have been more careful particularly when negotiating a bend.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
The D3 could not have been keeping a proper look out when he said in evidence that he does not know what happened particularly when he saw the other driver coming from the opposite direction 4 chains away.
\par 
\par On the law as to negligence both counsel have made useful written submissions.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 There was a possibility of danger emerging.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 It has been said:
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid16716071 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
\par }\pard \s17\ql \li720\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid16716071 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 \'93
The root of this liability is negligence, and what is negligence depends on the fac}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071 ts with which you have to deal.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16716071 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
\par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li720\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid16716071 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
If the possibility of danger emergi
ng is reasonably apparent, then to take no precautions is negligence; but if the possibility of danger emerging is only a mere possibility which would never occur to the mind of a reasonable man, then there is no negligence in not having taken extraordina
ry precautions.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Per Lord Dunedin in Fardon v. Harcourt-Rivington (1932), 146 L.T. 391; 48 T.L.R. 215; 76 S. J. 81\'94
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16716071 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
\par Further }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Charlesworth on Negligence}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 6}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 th}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071  Ed. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 in }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 para 197}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071  at p.132 stated:
\par 
\par }\pard \s17\ql \li720\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid16716071 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 \'93The likelihood of injury or damage being caused is a matter to be t
aken into account in determining what degree of care, if any, need be taken in any given circumstances when a duty to take care exists.\'94
\par }\pard \s17\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16716071 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
\par Also the following passage from }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Bingham\rquote s Claims Cases }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 7}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071  Ed. at p.5 is}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 pertinent:
\par 
\par }\pard \s17\ql \li720\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid16716071 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 \'93In running down accidents, when 
two parties are so moving in relation to one another as to involve risk of collision, each owes to the other a duty to move with due care, and that is true whether they are both in control of vehicles, or both proceeding on foot, or whether one is on foot
 and the other controlling a moving vehicle.\'94}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071 
\par }\pard \s17\ql \li0\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid16716071 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071\charrsid16716071 
\par }\pard \s17\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16716071 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
In the circumstances of this case when the vehicles were going in different directions on a wet night close to a bend on the road where the accident happened the following passage from }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
Charlesworth}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  (i}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 bid) in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 para.256}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071  and }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 257}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
 should be borne in mind in considering the issue: 
\par 
\par }\pard \s17\ql \li720\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid16716071 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 \'93
Accordingly where two motor-vehicles, going in opposite directions, collided during the hours of darkness in the centre of the road as a result of which both were killed, it was held that 
the proper inference was that both were equally to blame, there being no evidence pointing to one driver being any more blameworthy than the other.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Similarly in another fatal}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
accident where there was a collision at cross-roads, both roads being of equal status, or on the brow of a hill, in the absence of special circumstances, the inference to be drawn was that both the deceased drivers had been equally negligent so that the}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 innocent passenger has a prima facie case against both drivers or either of them.\'94
\par }\pard \s17\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16716071 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
\par Some helpful submissions were made by counsel on the question of liability and he referred the Court to a number of cases which are quite apt and I state them below to complete my treatment of the subject to determine the issue.
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16716071 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 In }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 North West Transport Co. Ltd v. Iferemi Kubukawa and Another }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
FC.A 14 F.L.R. 207 on apportionment of degrees of blame attachable to the drivers, the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Court held}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071  that \'93}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 where the evidence at the trial did not support the finding of the trial judge that one vehicle was on its wrong 
side of the road, the Court of Appeal varied the apportionment of the degrees of responsibility in the light of that fact}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 .\'94
\par 
\par The trial judge found that the bus was on its wrong side at the point of impact.
\par 
\par The Court of Appeal found that there was no definite proof that this was the case and held the drivers were equally negligent.
\par 
\par Counsel referred the Court to another helpful case of }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Bala Krishna v. Veerasami }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
4 FLR 153 where both parties were found equally to be blamed and damage was apportioned on a 50% basis.
\par 
\par Also in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Baker v. Market Harborough Industrial Co-operative Society Ltd }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 (1953) 1. W.L.R. 1472,}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 the English Court of Appeal had this to say on a situation somewhat similar to the present \endash  the headnote reads: 

\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li720\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid16716071 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 \'93
Where the evidence established that a 
collision between two motor vehicles proceeding in opposite directions occurred in the centre of a straight road during the hours of darkness, when both drivers were killed, the inference, in the absence of any other evidence enabling the Court to draw a 
distinction between them, was that each driver was committing almost the same acts of negligence \endash  failing to keep a proper lookout and to drive his vehicle on the correct side of the road \endash  and accordingly both were equally to blame.\'94

\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16716071 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
\par There }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Denning L.J.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071  said at p.1477:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li720\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid16716071 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 \'93
Even assuming that one of the vehicles was over the centre line, and thus to blame, the absence of any avoiding action by the other vehicle made that vehicle also to blame.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Once both were to blame, and there was no means of distinguishing between them, the blame should be cast equally on each.\'94
\par }\pard \s18\ql \li0\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid16716071 {\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16716071 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
Mr. D. Singh for the plaintiff finally referred the Court to the case of}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
Edward Michael Broadbridge v. Jone Kama and Attorney-General of Fiji}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071  C.A.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 201 of 1993 where a small car was travelling uphill and a Renault Army truck down hill.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 The facts were very similar to this case.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
The truck driver while negotiating the bend came obliquely across the path of the car.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Adopting }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Denning L.J\rquote s}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071  views (supra) in such a situation \lquote }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 blame should be cast equally on each}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 \rquote .
\par 
\par In the outcome, on the evidence before me and on the authorities I find that in all the circumstances of this case both drivers were equally negligent in the manner of their driving resulting in the death of the plaintiff\rquote s husband who was a passen
ger in the taxi.
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s19\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16716071 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
I therefore find liability established against the third and fourth defendants and they are 50% to be blamed for the accident.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
The plaintiff should now within}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 14 days apply for a date of assessment of compensation and damages under Chapters 27 and 29 respectively.

\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16716071 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16716071 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 D. Pathik
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 Judge
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16716071 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16716071\charrsid16716071 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3944161\charrsid16716071 At Suva
\par 30 March 2004
\par }}