header-logo header-logo

23 March 2012 / Mark Solon
Issue: 7506 / Categories: Features , Expert Witness
printer mail-detail

Reality check

Mark Solon provides a reminder of the expert’s duty of truth to the court

At the beginning of this month, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed that it is examining the case of seven expert witnesses, who allegedly repeatedly misled the court as to the value of prestige replacement hire cars.

Where a driver is not at fault for an accident, they may be entitled under their insurance to claim an equivalent car while their own is being repaired, and the witnesses were employed by now defunct Autofocus to assess and report on the true value of those cars to insurance companies.

It is alleged that the quotes provided by Autofocus were often much lower than their competitors, and those quotes were often used by insurance companies in court to back claims that competitor credit hire companies were overcharging them.

Dishonest statements

Two years ago the chief executive of credit hire rival Accident Exchange, Steve Evans, successfully brought a claim against Autofocus researcher Helen Whysall, who admitted dishonest statements in four cases and

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Katten Muchin Rosenman—Charlotte Hill

Katten Muchin Rosenman—Charlotte Hill

Katten strengthens financial markets and funds group in London

Hugh James—Keith Cundall & Lee Hart

Hugh James—Keith Cundall & Lee Hart

Hugh James expands national Serious Injury team with two new Partners

HFW—Rémi Ducloyer

HFW—Rémi Ducloyer

HFW continues Paris office growth with public law Partner hire

NEWS
The Court of Appeal's decision in Mazur v Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has lifted months of uncertainty for Chartered Legal Executives while prompting a rethink of regulation and supervision
The assisted dying debate returns to Westminster as Lauren Edwards MP reintroduces legislation that stalled in the House of Lords last session despite clearing the Commons
A little-noticed provision of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 has fundamentally expanded corporate criminal liability
Artificial intelligence is transforming legal practice, but careless reliance on it is creating growing professional risks
The law offers cohabiting couples surprisingly greater protection after one partner dies than when they separate during life
back-to-top-scroll