October 3, 2024

Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, busses, cyclists and trams throughout Australia to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for drivers, riders, passengers, pedestrians. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of road accident compensation claims.

Incident Overview

On September 11, 2021, a buggy carrying seven children, all under the age of 10, rolled over on a farm in Rosedale, Victoria. Six-year-old Olivia Stevens was tragically killed in the accident.

Details of the Crash

Damien Gibson, 36, was driving the overloaded buggy, which was not equipped with seatbelts or helmets, when he took a sharp turn, causing it to overturn. Olivia was thrown from the buggy and crushed underneath it. She sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, where she later died. The other six children, including Gibson’s five children, survived with minor injuries.

Sentencing and Family’s Reaction

Gibson pleaded guilty to culpable driving causing death and was sentenced to five years in prison. He will be eligible for parole in just over two years. Olivia’s mother, Yana Stevens, expressed her anger and disappointment at the sentence, calling it a “slap in the face.” She believes the sentence is too lenient and is calling for changes to the law to ensure harsher penalties for similar offenses.

Remembering Olivia

Olivia’s family and community are remembering her as a bright and loving child. A statue of a pink flamingo, one of Olivia’s favorite animals, will be erected at her former school, Gippsland Grammar, as a lasting tribute to her memory.

Conclusion

This tragic incident highlights the importance of safety when operating off-road vehicles and the devastating consequences that can result from negligence. The case has also sparked debate about the adequacy of current sentencing laws for culpable driving offenses.