IRL recent cases in PI litigation – part 4

PASSENGER IN A DRINK DRIVER VEHICLE

The case of Hussey .v. Twomey and Others [2009] IRSC 1 is a decision of the Supreme Court and very important decision in respect of persons injured whilst passengers in a vehicle driven by driver under the influence of drink or drugs. In that case the Supreme Court upheld the previous decision whereby the passenger was found to be 40% negligent in allowing himself to be carried in the vehicle in the circumstances. The passengers damages were assessed and automatically reduced by 40% in the circumstances. The level of knowledge and the conduct of the parties leading up to the incident will very much determine what level of reduction is to be made. This is a very useful case however.