Cherrypicker detached from van causing fatal crash, court hears

A woman suffered serious injuries and her husband died when their car was "demolished" by a cherrypicker which had detached from a van towing it, the High Court has been told.

Joan Meenan was unconscious for 26 days and could not attend the funeral of her husband of 42 years as a result of the incident, which occurred as they drove to do their weekly grocery shop, the court also heard.

Ms Meenan, Upper Main Street, Ballyahunis, Co Mayo, yesterday settled her action brought as a result of the collision on the Ballyhaunis to Claremorris Road on August 30th, 2010.

She had sued the owner of the van towing the cherrypicker, David Duggan, Brownhall, Balla, Co Mayo; the van driver, John F Costello, The Demesne, Ballinrobe, Co Mayo; the owners of the cherrypicker Ballyhaunis Plant Hire Ltd, Ballyhaunis, who had hired out the machine; and the Motor Insurance Bureau of Ireland.

It was claimed the cherrypicker became detached from the van, it crossed on to the incorrect side of the road and then collided with the Meenans’ car.

Liability was admitted by the defendants and the case was before the court for assessment of damages only. After it opened briefly before Mr Justice Kevin Cross yesterday, he was told it had been settled and could be struck out.