GREEN MEANS GO…
What happens when someone takes you out and blames a faulty traffic light?
Legal
Q I was involved in a nasty accident. I was riding along a busy urban dual carriageway, and I rode through a set of green lights. In the opposite direction was a right-hand turn, also controlled by lights. As I was riding through the green lights a driver coming from the opposite direction turned right across me.
The police prosecuted the other driver for failing to give way and failing to comply with the road traffic sign or direction, as well as driving without due care. The case went to court, and the other driver was found not guilty on all counts. His solicitor said that because the police could not prove that the lights were working correctly there was reasonable doubt, and the driver should not be prosecuted. I am now panicking. My solicitor has told me not to panic, and has said to me that while a conviction would have been useful, the fact that there has not been a conviction does not really make any great difference. The other driver is now trying to sue me for damage to his car. I was really very badly injured and suspect I will never be able to return to my old job. Should I be panicking? Is my solicitor just making reassuring noises?