A teenager died after being thrown from a car following a collision, an inquest heard, writes Emma Henry.

Paul Mix, 16, of Wenrisc Drive, Minster Lovell, died when his friend Thomas Green's Mini was hit by a van driven by Anthony Reed on the B4047 Burford Road in Minster Lovell on February 7. Oxford Coroner's Court was told yesterday the accident was caused by the drivers misunderstanding each other's intentions. Mr Green, also of Wenrisc Drive, pulled right out of a T-junction in front of Mr Reed and then slowed down almost immediately to turn right again into the White Hart pub car park.

Mr Reed said he decided to overtake because he felt he was too close to do an emergency stop. The other vehicle turned back out into the road in front of me," he added. The two collided, sending the Mini spinning out of control. Paul was thrown out of the moving car and hit a brick wall. He died at the scene from multiple abdominal and pelvic injuries.

Thames Valley Police accident investigator Pc Gary Baldwin said it was impossible to say whether Paul had been wearing a seatbelt.

He added both drivers had contributed to the accident.

Pc Baldwin said skid marks showed Mr Reed, of High Steet, Burford, had seen the Mini from some metres away. But he said it might have been 'prudent' for Mr Green, who said he had seen Mr Reed's headlights as he turned on to the B4047, to check his position again before turning.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, coroner Nicholas Gardiner said: "This appears to be a case of two drivers not interpreting what they saw quite correctly and misunderstanding each other's actions." Speaking afterwards, Paul's father, Wolfgang, said: "We are happy with the verdict. But we feel the speed limit on that road is too fast and there should be traffic regulations along there."