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clerks@roadhaulagebarristers.co.uk www.roadhaulagebarristers.co.uk to a much broader audience, ‘here we are, come to us’. I want hauliers to come to me because they know I have that background. I know that HGVs are not thundering great vehicles. They have good braking systems and the operators work in a very regulated industry."
Such empathy helps when the chambers encounter attempted insurance frauds against hauliers. “We represented an HGV driver who was accused of driving into a car in a line of trafic,” says Thomas.
“In fact, the driver in the car had deliberately reversed into the truck. We argued successfully that the HGV driver was not the offender because he could clearly see the car. In another case, a woman driver claimed she had been hit by a vehicle, but in her evidence she could not get the colour right.” When it comes to public inquiries, Thomas says barristers have a lot to offer. “If you are before the TC and in serious trouble you want someone who can put your case forward.”
This is not to take anything away from the many transport solicitors who are excellent advocates. But, as Christina points out, barristers have much more speciic training than solicitors. “When Kate appears before a court she is like the silk glove with the ist inside.” n