DBS Law Ltd

West Yorkshire police admit responsibility for 999 dash crash

Personal injury specialists DBS Law have secured an admission of liability from West Yorkshire Police for a high speed crash between a patrol car and a private hire vehicle on 13^th June 2011. The Police vehicle crossed a red signal whilst in pursuit of another driver when it collided with a Skoda driven by taxi driver Asif Hussain (29) from Leeds.

The accident brought traffic to stand still on the A64 York Road for several hours after police car and the taxi were left badly damaged in the middle of a busy junction near Killingbeck Police station. Emergency services vehicles were on the scene in seconds and were joined by a police helicopter, witnesses feared for the lives of the drivers. Unconscious after the accident Mr Hussain had to be helped from his car by fire-fighters. Both drivers were taken to hospital.

Mr Hussain feels he is lucky to be alive; his car was completely crushed at the front end.  He escaped with back and neck injuries which kept him off work for two months, and he continues to experience daily pain. He has also experienced nightmares and sleeplessness. 

Mr Hussain turned to DBS Law for help in seeking compensation for his loss of wages and for his pain and suffering.

Initially solicitors representing West Yorkshire Police denied responsibility claiming Mr Hussain should have heard the siren and taken evasive action. Mr Hussain claimed he had no chance to avoid the collision as the police car came out of nowhere at such high speed.

Police altered their position on liability when DBS Law’s Neeru Karra requested the police accident report.  The report was not provided but 100% responsibility was then accepted.  Negotiations over compensation are now on-going.

DBS Law solicitor Neeru Karra, said, “The acceptance of liability by West Yorkshire Police comes as a great relief to Asif Hussain.  The accident and its aftermath have been traumatic for him and his family. DBS Law will now be working hard to negotiate an appropriate settlement that will allow him to get on with his life and put the accident behind him.”