Aukuso v Tahan [2018] NSWCA 117

Court of Appeal Supreme Court New South Wales Medium Neutral Citation: Aukuso v Tahan [2018] NSWCA 117 Hearing dates: 26 April 2018 Decision date: 01 June 2018 Before: Macfarlan JA at [1]; Meagher JA at [2]; Simpson AJA at [3] Decision: 1. Appeal allowed in part.

2. The judgment of 19 October 2017 is set aside.

3. In lieu thereof, judgment for the respondent (Ms Hana Tahan) in the sum of $350,000.

4. Each party to pay his or her own costs of the appeal. Catchwords: TORTS – negligence – motor vehicle accident – fatal collision – where multiple conflicting witness accounts – whether appellant or respondent at fault – Fox v Percy (2003) 214 CLR 118; [2003] HCA 22 – whether primary judge erred in analysis of witness accounts

TORTS – negligence – contributory negligence – motor vehicle accident – collision of two vehicles – where both vehicles exceeding speed limit – apportionment of liability Legislation Cited: Supreme Court Act 1970 s 75A(5) Cases Cited: Fox v Percy (2003) 214 CLR 118; [2003] HCA 22 Tahan v Aukuso, unreported, District Court of NSW, 19 October 2017 Warren v Coombes (1979) 142 CLR 531; [1997] HCA 9 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Taelese Aukuso (Appellant) Hana Tahan (Respondent) Representation: Counsel: K P Rewell SC (Appellant) B J Gross QC/F D Curran (Respondent)

Solicitors: McInnes Wilson Lawyers NSW (Appellant) Carters Law Firm (Respondent) File Number(s): 2017/336371 Decision under appeal Court or tribunal: District Court of NSW Jurisdiction: Civil Date of Decision: 19 October 2017 Before: Ashford ADCJ File Number(s): 2014/252868