Tan Poh Weng Andy v Lee Jee: Referral to Attorney-General Due to Multiple Accidents and Potential Claim Exaggeration

In Tan Poh Weng Andy v Lee Jee, the Singapore High Court declined to record a consent interlocutory judgment and referred the matter to the Attorney-General due to concerns about the plaintiff's involvement in multiple accidents and potential exaggeration of claims. The plaintiff, Tan Poh Weng Andy, sued the defendant, Lee Jee, for damages arising from a motor vehicle accident. The court raised concerns about the plaintiff's accident history, a prior admission of partial liability, and his status as an undischarged bankrupt, leading to the referral for further investigation.

1. Case Overview

1.1 Court

High Court

1.2 Outcome

The court declined to record the settlement and referred the case to the Attorney-General for investigation.

1.3 Case Type

Civil

1.4 Judgment Type

Grounds of Decision

1.5 Jurisdiction

Singapore

1.6 Description

The High Court referred Tan Poh Weng Andy v Lee Jee to the Attorney-General due to concerns about multiple accidents involving the plaintiff and potential exaggeration of claims.

1.7 Decision Date

2. Parties and Outcomes

Party NameRoleTypeOutcomeOutcome TypeCounsels
Tan Poh Weng AndyPlaintiffIndividualSettlement Not ApprovedNeutral
Lee JeeDefendantIndividualSettlement Not ApprovedNeutral

3. Judges

Judge NameTitleDelivered Judgment
Choo Han TeckJudgeYes

4. Counsels

Counsel NameOrganization
Viviene Kaur SandhuClifford Law LLP
Michael LohClifford Law LLP
Vanessa SandhuClifford Law LLP
Alvin Cheng Sun CheokChris Chong & C T Ho Partnership
Marian LeeChris Chong & C T Ho Partnership

4. Facts

  1. Plaintiff was driving a motor van when it was involved in an accident with the defendant's vehicle.
  2. The plaintiff claimed his vehicle was stationary when the defendant's vehicle collided with it.
  3. The plaintiff's passenger sued the defendant, with the plaintiff joined as a third party.
  4. The passenger's claim was settled with liability apportioned 95% against the defendant and 5% against the plaintiff.
  5. The plaintiff commenced an action against the defendant claiming 100% liability.
  6. The plaintiff had changed his name by deed poll.
  7. The plaintiff was involved in six accidents from 2006 to 2012.
  8. The plaintiff was an undischarged bankrupt.

5. Formal Citations

  1. Tan Poh Weng Andy v Lee Jee, Suit No 837 of 2012, [2013] SGHC 234

6. Timeline

DateEvent
Motor vehicle accident occurred involving the plaintiff and defendant.
Medical report on the plaintiff’s injury was issued by Dr Peng.
Plaintiff changed his name by deed poll from Tan Poh Kim to Andy Tan Poh Weng.
Plaintiff had surgery.
Plaintiff had surgery.
Plaintiff commenced action against the defendant.
Plaintiff's application for a second interim payment was dismissed by AR Devi.
Trial was fixed for hearing.
Plaintiff was given leave to amend the writ to reflect his new name.
Defendant was given leave to amend his defence to plead estoppel.
Registrar’s Appeal concerning the plaintiff’s application for a second interim payment was heard and dismissed.
Court declined to record the settlement and referred the case to the Attorney-General.

7. Legal Issues

  1. Exaggeration of Claims
    • Outcome: The court raised concerns about the potential exaggeration of claims, leading to the referral to the Attorney-General.
    • Category: Substantive
    • Sub-Issues:
      • Causation of injuries
      • Extent of damages
  2. Liability in Motor Vehicle Accidents
    • Outcome: The court considered the issue of liability, particularly in light of the plaintiff's prior admission of partial liability in a related suit.
    • Category: Substantive
    • Sub-Issues:
      • Apportionment of liability
      • Estoppel

8. Remedies Sought

  1. Monetary Damages

9. Cause of Actions

  • Negligence

10. Practice Areas

  • Litigation

11. Industries

  • Transportation

12. Cited Cases

Case NameCourtAffirmedCitationJurisdictionSignificance
No cited cases

13. Applicable Rules

Rule Name
No applicable rules

14. Applicable Statutes

Statute NameJurisdiction
No applicable statutes

15. Key Terms and Keywords

15.1 Key Terms

  • Motor vehicle accident
  • Interim payment
  • Deed poll
  • Estoppel
  • Undischarged bankrupt
  • Exaggerated claims
  • Apportionment of liability

15.2 Keywords

  • motor vehicle accident
  • negligence
  • personal injury
  • settlement
  • Attorney-General
  • exaggerated claims
  • undischarged bankrupt

17. Areas of Law

Area NameRelevance Score
Automobile Accidents70
Personal Injury60
Exaggerated Claims50
Insurance Claims40
Evidence Law40
Deed Poll30
Civil Procedure30
Contract Law20

16. Subjects

  • Personal Injury
  • Motor Vehicle Accidents
  • Civil Litigation