Hit and Run Case Study: Dean Wilson represent family in £1.3 million High Court case

The background of the hit and run case

For the past three years Dean Wilson Solicitors have been representing the estate and family of a 49-year-old man in a civil action against a hit and run driver.

On 1 March 2015, Mr Martin Standen-Grant was walking home with a friend when he was driven into by a Nissan Navarra, driven by Mr Bernard Mathews. Mr Standen-Grant was killed instantly. Mr Mathews left the scene however he was later found and arrested by Surrey Police. Testing revealed cocaine in his system and in Police interview Mr Mathews admitting to seeing the pair walking but could not explain how he had hit them.

Mr Mathews was charged with causing death by careless driving which he denied. He was found guilty by jury in Guildford Crown Court on 31 August 2016 after a trial and he was sentenced to two years imprisonment by Judge Robert Fraser.

Mr Standen-Grant left a wife, Sarah, and four children. Dean Wilson were instructed to pursue a claim for damages on the family’s behalf for this hit and run incident. After Court proceedings were issued a without prejudice settlement meeting was had with Mr Mathews’ road traffic insurer, and a settlement was agreed shortly afterwards.

The Settlement was approved by Mrs Justice Lambert in the Royal Courts of Justice on 8 April 2019, with her describing the figure as “too good to refuse”.

Personal injury specialist, Ben Davey, who acted for the family said “whilst the circumstances of this accident are tragic and no amount of money will replace the amount of love which Martin showed his family, I am pleased that the family have been awarded a sum of money which will provide them with financial security going forward.”

Dean Wilson acted in this matter under a conditional fee agreement (no win no fee style). Ben Davey and his colleagues are happy to provide preliminary advice free of charge and can be contacted on 01273 249200.