Inexperienced Bridgnorth driver, 28, died in car accident - inquest
An inexperienced driver from Bridgnorth died after losing control of his car and crashing into oncoming traffic, an inquest heard.
James Charles Hammonds, 28, died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham following the crash on the B4194 between Bewdley and Kinlet on October 13.
The inquest into his death, which was heard at Shirehall in Shrewsbury yesterday, heard how Mr Hammonds, who was a carpenter, died from multiple injuries.
He lost control of his red and black Ford Fiesta on a bend and hit a silver BMW saloon driven by John Davies, who suffered minor injuries.
John Ellery, senior coroner for Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, recorded a conclusion of death by road traffic collision.
A statement from Constable Howard Latham read out at the inquest said he believed the crash was caused by a lack of driving experience, car alterations and legal drug use.
See also:
Pc Latham said: “At 6.40am a fatal road traffic accident happened on the B4194 between a red and black Ford Fiesta and BMW four-door saloon.
“James suffered head and chest injuries and died at the hospital at 8.41am as a result of his injuries.
“Tests show the driver of the BMW was driving below 40mph and had no time to react.”
He added that Mr Hammonds had legal drugs in his system and was over the legal drive limit.
Mr Hammonds, originally from Walsall, was a father of five.
Previously in a statement, his family paid tribute to “one in a million son, partner, dad, brother, grandson, uncle, cousin and best friend”.
Mr Ellery said: “I record that James Charles Hammonds died from multiple injuries following a road traffic collision.
“It occurred on the Bewdley to Kinlet road and he was transported to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham where he confirmed deceased later that day."
He added: “I accept PC Latham’s conclusions.
"James lost control of the car and he crashed into the oncoming driver.”
