Blind man, whose guide dog was hit by taxi, may be facing charges for damages against vehicle

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3243254/Blind-man-s-guide-dog-run-reversing-taxi.html wrote:A blind man whose guide dog was hit by a reversing taxi has been told he may face a claim for damages from the driver after the cab was left with a small dent.
Mike Gurney, 69, from Deanshanger in Northamptonshire, was being led by his German Shepherd, Emma, on a shopping trip in August when the taxi mounted the curb and knocked into them.
When Emma, who is just under two years old, fell against Mr Gurney's leg he tapped on the car twice and yelled out for the driver to stop.

He reported the incident to police and a passing woman who had watched the incident unfold told him she was happy to be a witness.
Mr Gurney claims Thames Valley Police officers initially told him they would prosecute the taxi driver for driving without due care and attention.

But this week he claims to have received a call saying there would be no charge and police will not take action because it was 'a lawful manoeuvre' over a dropped curb.
To add insult to injury Mr Gurney has now been told he could face a claim from the taxi driver's insurance because during the fracas the car was dented.

Mr Gurney claims Thames Valley Police officers initially told him they would prosecute the taxi driver for driving without due care and attention
Mr Gurney said: 'How can it be legal to reverse onto a pavement and hit a guide dog?
'If it had been a toddler or someone not too steady on their feet it could have been a lot worse.
'It was possible the cabbie would continue reversing if I hadn't stopped it. Even if it was lawful it can never be right to reverse into a person.'
The female passer-by who witnessed the event has since written a letter of complaint to the taxi company involved.
Mr Gurney, who has insurance for guide dog Emma, said: 'It is unfair for them to have to fork out for this when that money could be going towards training more guide dogs.'
To add insult to injury Mr Gurney has now been told he could face a claim from the taxi driver's insurance because during the fracas the car was dented

To add insult to injury Mr Gurney has now been told he could face a claim from the taxi driver's insurance because during the fracas the car was dented
He added he rushed Emma to the vet after the incident in Stony Stratford, near Milton Keynes, on the August bank holiday weekend and was told she had suffered bruising.
But Mr Gurney, who is registered blind and does not work, is worried the mental trauma could affect her career as a guide dog.
He said: 'She is only 22-months-old and the accident happened five and a half weeks after I had her. It could have a devastating effect.
'She was quiet and subdued afterwards and now she is a little bit more aware of traffic.
'But if she becomes frightened all of her training will go out of the window.'
A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: 'We understand this was an upsetting incident for all those involved.
'Fortunately neither the pedestrian or the driver were injured, although the dog did sustain minor injuries.
'The incident was reported to Thames Valley Police at 11.50am on 29 August that a car had been in a collision with a dog which was with a pedestrian in the High Street, Stony Stratford.
'Police have spoken to all those involved about the incident and the driver was given a verbal warning and advice.
'Following an investigation by TVP the decision was made that no action will be taken against the driver.'
'If the owner of the dog is unhappy with the outcome he can of course make a formal complaint to us so we can look into it.'