Carian and Others v Elton [2006] NSWCA 168

New South Wales Court of Appeal

CITATION: Carian and Others v Elton [2006] NSWCA 168

HEARING DATE(S): 5 April 2006

JUDGMENT DATE: 29 June 2006

JUDGMENT OF: Beazley JA at 1; Santow JA at 2; Tobias JA at 124

DECISION: Appeals in 40265/05, 40267/05 and 40268/05 are dismissed with costs.

CATCHWORDS: NEGLIGENCE – motorcycle accident – dispute as to driver – permissible inferences as to likely driver – presumption of continuance – numerical probability distinguished from balance of probabilities standard. - EVIDENCE – rejection of expert evidence based on factual assumptions made. - EVIDENCE – evaluation of contested evidence of admissions – "rider" with respect to motorcycle carrying two persons – "riding" with respect to motorcycle carrying two persons. - Luxton v Vines (1952) 85 CLR 352 distinguished. - Carian v Elton (2000) 31 MVR 421, considered. - Bendix Mintex Pty Ltd v Barnes (1997) 42 NSWLR 307, considered.

Baker v Market Harborough Industrial Co-operative Society Ltd [1953] 1 WLR 1472 Bendix Mintex Pty Ltd v Barnes (1997) 42 NSWLR 307 Carian v Elton (2000) 31 MVR 421 Fox v Percy (2003) 214 CLR 118 CASES CITED: Luxton v Vines (1952) 85 CLR 352 Maher-Smith v Gaw [1969] VR 371 Makita (Australia) Pty Ltd v Sprowles (2001) 52 NSWLR 705 Nesterczuk v Mortimore (1965) 115 CLR 140 Tubemakers of Australia Ltd v Fernandez (1976) 50 ALJR 720 Van Eeden v Henry (2005) 42 MVR 375

Clinton James CARIAN (Appellant CA 40265/05) Debbie SALISBURY (Appellant CA 40267/05) PARTIES: Christopher CARIAN (Appellant CA 40268/05) Ivan JONES (Appellant CA 40423/05) Scott Peter ELTON (Respondent in all above matters)