Man receives £300K following injuries sustained in a hit and run

Our client secured a settlement of over £306,000 after being struck by a drink-driving motorist who attempted a U-turn and fled the scene. The collision caused severe foot injuries requiring surgery, skin grafting and ongoing rehabilitation, ultimately preventing him from returning to manual work. The compensation provides financial security, funds continued recovery and enables him to retrain for a new career, helping him move forward after a life-changing accident.

In this case study you will find out:

• A serious motorcycle collision caused by a driver attempting a U-turn and driving under the influence
• The defendant fleeing the scene before later being arrested and prosecuted
• The severe injuries sustained, including degloving of the foot, multiple fractures, and compartment syndrome
• The extensive medical treatment required, including surgery, skin grafting, and rehabilitation
• The long-term impact on the client’s ability to work and participate in hobbies
• The role of rehabilitation, including physiotherapy, counselling, and vocational support
• The successful outcome, securing up to £306,714.76 in compensation
• How the settlement supports retraining, future employment, and rebuilding independence
• Reflections from both legal experts and the client on recovery and moving forward

How the incident occurred

Our client was travelling to work on their motorcycle in the evening along East Lancashire Road in the direction of St. Helens. Whilst travelling in the opposite direction, the defendant attempted a U-turn, which resulted in them colliding with our client and knocking him off the road.  

The defendant fled the scene of the collision but was later detained by police and prosecuted for driving a motor vehicle dangerously and with excess alcohol. 

What Injuries were sustained?

As a result of the collision, our client sustained a serious injury to his right foot including, degloving of the skin on his right foot (ripping of the skin) a spiral fracture (broken in a twisting motion) of the first metatarsal, a transverse fracture (the bone is perpendicular to its length) at the neck of the fifth metatarsal and several other un-displaced fractures. As well as this, he went on to develop compartment syndrome (increasing pressure in muscles), which required treatment, which was in addition to the treatment he received for the displaced fractures in his right foot. Our client also required a skin graft, which was taken from his right thigh to close the injury following the degloving he suffered on his right foot. 

In relation to the injury of his first metatarsal, our client has gone on to have fusion. He has also engaged with rehabilitation which has been funded by the defendant, which included physiotherapy, counselling and vocational rehabilitation.

What was the impact on the client’s life?

Prior to the accident, our client had always worked labouring roles, however due to his injuries, he will be unable to do so in the future. Unfortunately, the injuries sustained in the collision have also meant that he was not able to enjoy the hobbies he once did, such as mountain biking.

What was the outcome of the claim?   

The case was handled by serious injury experts, Lisa Williams, Associate Chartered Legal Executive and Aimee Ratcliffe, Associate Solicitor, whose hard work ensured that the claim successfully settled at a figure up to £306,714.76. 

With this settlement figure, our client intends on returning to education to  qualify as a mechanic or an engineer. Once qualified, he wishes to work in similar industries to what he had done before the accident, in less physically demanding roles. He also hopes to be able to get back on his mountain bike, only less challenging terrains.

What our expert had to say on the claim

Following the conclusion of the claim, our experts said:  

“This was an awful accident, with potentially devastating consequences. The client was hit by a drunken driver who fled and left him with horrendous injuries by the side of the road.

The client’s life was halted at that point; he was unable to work, socialise or leave his home without assistance for more than 12 months. He suffered both physically and psychologically and his relationships deteriorated.

Despite this, he has worked hard on his rehabilitation to regain as much mobility and independence as he can, and I hope now that his case is behind him that he can look forwards and realise his goals of returning to education, with the financial security to do so.” 

In addition, our client reflected on the outcome of the claim saying: 

“Great news! (I) appreciate everything Lisa and Aimee have done for me over the last few years means a lot thank you’