Road accidents lead to lump sum claims
A man has received a £2.5 million settlement after being involved in a road accident. The 22-year-old man from Middlesbrough celebrated his lump sum road traffic accident claim following a horrific car accident that happened in 2001. The compensation was secured with the support of a Middlesbrough-based legal firm.
During the tragic crash the man sustained a severe spinal cord injury which
left him paralysed and confined to a wheelchair. The injured man however, is said to be "delighted" with the compensation award that he has received.
He said: "I know just how lucky I am. If it wasn't for the fire-fighters and paramedics who got me out of the car I wouldn't be here today. They are all heroes.
"I'm also so very grateful to all the fantastic staff at the James Cook University Hospital and in particular at the Spinal Assessment Unit. I also have to say a big thank you to my Mam. I've had to rely on her so much since the accident and she has been terrific and I thank her from the bottom of my heart.
"Finally, without the support of my injury lawyer, this compensation would not have been possible. The money can never turn the clock back or make up for my suffering, but it can help me to try and lead as normal a life as possible."
Long journey for a "remarkable young man"
A lawyer from a legal firm based in Middlesbrough said: "This has been a long journey for my client. He is quite a remarkable young man.
"He's shown amazing courage in dealing with his disability and great resolve and determination in seeing his case through to such a successful conclusion. His fortitude and strength of character is really humbling."
He added: "This is of course a very large sum of money but it has to last for the rest of his life. No amount of money could ever compensate him for the loss of so much independence but this settlement will help to give him a much more independent future. He is such a determined character his future is undoubtedly bright. He's even going to be taking up wheelchair Rugby!"
Since the accident, the man has benefited from the support of a number of local social clubs including The Priory, The Beechwood and EasterSide Social Clubs. A local radio station, TFM introduced a "Make a Child Smile" project, which helped by raising funds to send the man to France for some experimental laser treatment on his spine.
And things are taking a turn for the better as the claimant now has his own adapted car and has passed his test. Additionally, he will hopefully be moving into a newly adapted home later this year.
HGV driver compensated after road crash
Another recent road accident claims case, involved an HGV driver, who had been in his job for many years, been hit by another driver.
The other driver, admitted liability, which enabled the successfully negotiation for an acceptable level of personal injury compensation which the driver received. Before the trial date, the driver was able to secure £18,000 in road traffic accident compensation for his injuries and reduced income as a result of his wanting to stop driving HGV's.
The HGV driver was hit when the other tried to make a "negligent manoeuvre" and he collided with the nearside of our client's vehicle, causing it to stop suddenly and violently. Additionally other vehicles at the junction had to swerve to avoid both vehicles.
The driver hit his head on the door and immediately suffered considerable pain in his neck, while the affects of the accident left him feeling light headed.
Although he was able to return to his depot immediately following the road traffic accident, it was clear that he was not well and he was immediately sent to hospital in an ambulance, where he was diagnosed with concussion and whiplash injuries.
The driver's physical injuries did heal in time but the long-term effects of the road traffic accident were that he felt unable to return to driving HGV's and subsequently sought other employment.
Updated on 8/5/2009