New driver safety guide released following Bedminster baby death

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has this week launched a new an online guide which demonstrates how to check vehicle trailers are safely secured.

The move has been prompted by a campaign organised by Donna and Scott Hussey, whose son Freddie was killed in Bedminster when a poorly attached trailer came loose from a Land Rover in 2014.

The driver of the vehicle was found guilty of causing death by careless driving but avoided a prison sentence. He was ordered to complete 200 hours of community service and was banned from driving for six months.

Barcan+Kirby represented Mrs Hussey in a civil legal action against the driver, separate to the criminal trial.

We’re happy to report that the civil case was successfully settled last week. The driver’s responsibility has been admitted and the family will receive compensation which, although it can in no way make up for the loss of their child, we hope will help them get the right support to deal with some of the after-effects of his death.

Associate Solicitor Amie Prowle, who acted for the Husseys, remarked:

“This was a horrific and unimaginable incident in which our client and her husband suffered the greatest loss one can experience: the death of a child. No amount of compensation can rectify the damage caused.

I am really glad that I’ve been able to help Mrs Hussey through the difficult and often painful process of taking legal action following such a tragic incident and that the family have received an admission that the driver was responsible, which was important to them.”

Further information

Our personal injury solicitors in Bristol are experienced in fatal accident claims, including those following road accidents. To speak to a specialist fatal accident solicitor, call us on 0117 325 2929 or complete our online enquiry form.