Compensation for pedestrian hit by an out of control police vehicle

The client was walking as a pedestrian when a police vehicle collided with another car and struck him with such force that he was thrown over a set of railings and became wedged between two walls. The impact left him with multiple serious injuries, including:

• An open fracture to the tibia, with the bone protruding through the skin
• A fracture of the fibula
• A fracture to his right knee
• Post‑traumatic stress disorder

He was taken to a local hospital, but the severity of his injuries meant he needed specialist care elsewhere. For a considerable period, doctors believed he was at high risk of needing an amputation. Even three years later, and despite further surgeries, that risk has not fully gone.

Life before the incident centred around the animals the client cared for. He owned horses, dogs, racing pigeons and a parrot, and they were a core part of his routine and independence. When his mobility was suddenly taken away, he faced real uncertainty about how he would look after them. Friends and family stepped in to help with day‑to‑day care, including walking the dogs, until he had recovered enough to do this himself again.

Matthew Tuff, a senior associate, supported the client throughout his claim. Once we understood the full impact of his injuries, we moved quickly to secure early rehabilitation under the Rehabilitation Code 2015. This meant both sides could work together to arrange treatment at the right time, giving the client the best chance of a meaningful recovery.

Through his claim, the client was able to access private orthopaedic surgery, physiotherapy and counselling funded through the Code. These interventions helped him rebuild mobility and manage the psychological effects of what had happened.

To understand his long‑term needs and prepare the case properly, court proceedings were issued and detailed medical evidence was obtained from orthopaedic and psychiatric experts. This gave us a clear, reliable picture of the support he would need in the years ahead and ensured his settlement reflected that.

The treatment arranged under the Rehabilitation Code gave the client access to specialist care at a crucial stage in his recovery. Private surgery and physiotherapy helped him regain mobility, while counselling supported him through the psychological effects of the incident. Because the claim was brought early, this support could be funded straight away, easing pressure on his day‑to‑day life and helping him rebuild his independence.

A joint settlement meeting was held to explore resolution outside the court process, and a six‑figure settlement was negotiated. It reflected the seriousness of his injuries and the long‑term support he will continue to need.

This acknowledgment of what he went through, combined with the rehabilitation secured early in the claim, has helped him move forward with greater stability and confidence.