Accidental Death Verdict In Relation To Brake Failure Crash

By Rob Dixon

Specialist lawyers have welcomed calls for new safety strategies to be developed at motorsport events, following the inquest into the death of a motorcyclist during a race in Jersey last year.

A verdict of accidental death was recorded into the case of Christopher Collingwood, who was thrown from the motorbike while climbing Greve de Pecq Hill. It was revealed he lost control when a bolt fell out from the back brake.

Following the verdict, the Classic & Vintage Motor Racing Club of Jersey said it had protocols in place but was keen to work to create a strategy following the incident.

Sally Rissbrook, a lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who has acted for victims and the families of those injured in accidents in public places, said the move was a welcome one, which will ensure lessons are learned from the incident.

She outlined: “This was obviously a very worrying incident and it is vital that efforts should be taken to ensure the same problems are not repeated in the future.

“It is very welcome to see that there is a concerted feeling that steps can be taken to address the issues and we hope that everything possible will be done to ensure all potential risks involved in racing can be mitigated going forward.”

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in relation to Accidents in Public Places