Beachcroft LLP, the law firm, has launched a motor prosecutions unit to advise and represent motor insurers and their policyholders on the handling of very serious or fatal road traffic accidents that lead to criminal prosecution and trial.
The team, led by catastrophic injury risk partner Sara May and associate, Kate Archer, provides advice to policyholders and their insurers from notification that a motor accident has happened through to the conclusion of any criminal proceedings at court.
May said: “The Road Safety Bill is also looming on the horizon. This will introduce a new offence of causing death by ‘careless' driving, which will be punishable by up to five years' imprisonment if the driver is convicted.
"Whilst it is a lesser offence to causing death by dangerous driving, it is contentious, as the accused could be imprisoned for mere negligence. As a result, there are likely to be more full trials, if there is a threat of custodial sentence.”
