Road traffic—Negligence—Skidding vehicle—Skidding vehicle neither nuisance nor
evidence of negligence on part of driver—Driver to use additional care proportioned
to greater risk regarding driving, condition of tyres and road—Whether skid per se
excusing accident—Nature of onus of proof on driver.
Evidence—Admissibility—Criminal conviction—Subsequent civil proceedings for
negligence—Admission by driver of careless driving and negligently causing harm by
plea of guilty in prior criminal trial—Whether plea of guilty admissible as proof of
negligence in civil proceedings.
Negligence—Res ipsa loquitur—Onus of proof—Accident more consistent with
defendant's negligence than other causes—Accident prima facie evidence of
negligence—Burden of proof on defendant to explain accident—Consequence of
absence of explanation.
Damages—Quantum—Fatal accidents—Damages for loss of expectation of life
recoverable for deceased's estate—Compensation to be moderate—Deceased 24-
year old schoolboy—¢12,000 inclusive of proven special damages adequate
compensation.