AYE accident: Couple get $530,000 settlement
They were on a motorcycle in 2016 incident where Mercedes-Benz went against flow of traffic
A couple who suffered serious injuries in an accident on the Ayer Rajah Expressway after a businessman drove his car against the flow of traffic have settled their claims for around $530,000.
Mr Teh Tze Yong and his wife Choo Yat Chiam, both 36 now, were on a motorcycle on their way to work in the morning of December 19 two years ago when a Mercedes-Benz driven by 53-year-old Lim Chai Heng streaked towards them at about 8am.
They sued the driver for negligence, seeking compensation for medical treatment, loss of earnings plus pain and suffering, among other things.
Lim accepted 100 per cent liability last November.
Mr Teh was awarded $380,000 and his wife, $150,000 in the High Court yesterday, after the vehicle insurer's lawyer Christopher Fernandez, from Tan Kok Quan Partnership, and the couple's Hoh Law Corporation lawyer N Srinivasan reached a settlement.
Lim's driving caused a multi-vehicle collision that involved four cars, a motorcycle and a bus. The wall along the expressway before Tuas West Road exit was also damaged.
The incident left one person dead and several others injured.
Ms Choo, an administration executive, broke her left leg while her husband, a forklift driver, had fractures on both hands and injuries on three fingers.
Mr Teh was no longer able to be a forklift driver owing to residual pain in his left elbow as well as stiffness in his left elbow, wrists and three fingers, according to his medical report.
He was placed on medical leave for about a year and given light duties, but stopped working when his work permit was not renewed.
Mr Teh returned to Johor where he remained jobless until his brother set up a food stall about two months ago, but he is only able to help collect cash from customers.
The AYE accident killed artist Jackie Liong, 37, who was driving a Toyota Vios. His wife, Ms Venny Oliver, 37, was injured.
It is understood that Mr Lim also faces potential civil claims against him by the widow and her late husband's estate.
U-TURN
Lim was driving towards Tuas Checkpoint when he is alleged to have caused the collision after he made a U-turn against the flow of traffic.
He was initially charged with causing death by reckless or dangerous driving, but it was amended in the State Courts last year to culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
This criminal case is pending and if convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine.
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