Who Should Bear the Blame for Road Accidents in Singapore
Amos Cai, Yuen Law’s Head of Disputes Resolution Practice Group, was recently interviewed by CNA938 on their podcast Daily Cuts for the episode on “Who should bear the blame for road accidents in Singapore?”.
During the discussion, Amos provided valuable legal insights into pedestrian and driver liability in road accidents, an especially relevant topic given recent tragic incidents on Singapore’s roads.
Amos highlighted that liability in road accidents is rarely 100%. Even when a pedestrian is primarily at fault—for example, crossing against the red pedestrian signal—drivers often retain some degree of liability due to their duty of care to other road users. However, Amos also explained that there are rare exceptions where drivers may not be liable, such as when a pedestrian’s actions are entirely unforeseeable.
Amos was also asked about factors such as poor visibility due to rain or a motorist’s alcohol consumption. He clarified that while poor visibility may influence liability apportionment, it doesn’t absolve drivers of their duty to keep a proper lookout. Similarly, driving under the influence of alcohol may carry criminal consequences, but it doesn’t automatically mean the driver is more negligent in a civil accident case.
Throughout the interview, Amos stressed the importance of vigilance, proper speed control, and awareness for both motorists and pedestrians, particularly in high-risk situations like jaywalking or senior citizens crossing outside designated crossings.
Key Topics Covered
- Who bears the blame in a car accident? Do both pedestrians and drivers share liability? Are there cases where the pedestrian is 100% at fault?
- When a pedestrian jaywalks, who is more liable? Is it the pedestrian or the driver?
- Do courts consider past offences? Are previous traffic offences like speeding factored into liability?
- Does drink driving automatically make a driver responsible? How does it impact negligence?
- Weather and road conditions: Are they taken into account when determining a driver’s liability?
- Multi-chain accidents: Is the driver at the back more liable if hit from behind?
Check out the full podcast episode here.
Get in Touch
Amos Cai
Director and Head of Disputes Resolution
E: amoscai@yuenlaw.com.sg
Amos Cai is recognized for his excellence in Dispute Resolution. Leading our litigation practice, he successfully represents clients in complex civil and commercial disputes. He advises on challenging matters involving personal injury and accident claims, medical negligence, and criminal matters.
