Rebuilding a Life After a Devastating Collision

Our client secured £250,000 in compensation after being struck by a vehicle, despite having no memory of the incident and facing strongly disputed liability. Through detailed investigation, witness evidence and proactive case building, a successful outcome was achieved, providing access to vital rehabilitation, supporting her return to work, and restoring her independence following life-changing brain and orthopaedic injuries.

In this piece you will find out:

• The circumstances of a serious pedestrian road traffic accident near Cambridge Train Station
• The catastrophic brain and orthopaedic injuries sustained, including long-term physical and psychological effects
• The significant impact the injuries had on the client’s independence, recovery, and daily life
• The legal challenges faced, including no memory of the incident and disputed liability
• How specialist solicitors built a strong case using witness evidence, CCTV, and scene investigation
• The successful outcome, securing £250,000 in compensation
• How the settlement supported rehabilitation, recovery, and a return to independence
• Insight into the importance of expert legal support in complex, high-value injury claims

The Incident

Our client was walking toward Cambridge Train Station, intending to cross the road, when her life changed in an instant. As she stepped forward, a vehicle turned right into the road. The driver, failing to see her, struck her in a collision that left her with severe and life-altering injuries. 

This traumatic moment marked the beginning of a long and painful journey for our client, a journey that tested her resilience physically, emotionally, and financially.

The Injuries Sustained

The collision caused catastrophic injuries that left our client struggling to rebuild her life. Among her injuries were: 

Cranial fractures:  

• A comminuted displaced fracture of the left temporal parietal bone. 
• Fractures extending into the left frontal and sphenoid bones.
• Displaced fractures of the left sphenoid sinus lateral wall and right sphenoid bone.                                                                                             

Brain injuries:  

• A subdural haemorrhage, resulting from damaged blood vessels between the skull and brain. 

• A subdural haematoma, causing a dangerous buildup of blood on the brain’s surface. 

• A right temporal intraparenchymal haemorrhage (bleeding into brain tissue). 
• A small-volume subarachnoid haemorrhage, a rare and life-threatening stroke. 

Orthopaedic injuries:  

• Fractures to her left forearm and wrist that later required surgery. 

Other effects:  

• Persistent vision problems, including double vision and headaches. 

• Post-traumatic amnesia. 

• Psychological trauma that impacted her emotional well-being. 

These injuries were not just physical; they were a constant reminder of the trauma she endured.

The Impact on Her Life

The aftermath of the collision was devastating. Having already fought a battle with cancer and only recently returning to work, our client was forced to take a significant step back as her injuries made working impossible. Thankfully, she had a very understanding and accommodating employer which meant there was no loss of earnings incurred. 

Everyday tasks became insurmountable challenges. Living alone, she suddenly found herself dependent on her parents to help with even the most basic activities. For a fiercely independent person, this was a heart-breaking adjustment. 

On top of this, her injuries required surgery on her left forearm, further prolonging her recovery. While the physical pain was immense, the emotional toll was equally profound. The trauma of the incident left her grappling with anxiety, frustration, and a sense of isolation.

The Case

In her search for justice, our client turned to our experts for support. Her case was entrusted to a dedicated and experienced legal team, including, Claire Hutchinson, Partner and Solicitor and Saffron Law, Paralegal.

From the start, the team showed compassion and understanding, ensuring she felt supported every step of the way. They understood the gravity of her situation and were determined to secure the best possible outcome for her. 

The claim presented several challenges that required careful navigation by our legal team. Our client had no recollection of the incident due to the severity of her injuries, and the police investigation was minimal, providing only limited information. This lack of clarity made it difficult to piece together exactly what had happened, especially when the defendant asserted that our client had “just stepped out” into his path. As a result, liability was strongly disputed by the defendant. 

Despite these obstacles, our team demonstrated persistence and ingenuity to build a compelling case. Their efforts included: 

• Attending the scene: Our legal team visited the location of the accident to gain a deeper understanding of the environment and circumstances surrounding the collision. 

• Consulting the local council: We approached the local council to obtain crucial information about the traffic light sequencing at the junction, helping to establish the timeline of events. 

• Gathering evidence from the community: Our team canvassed local residents and businesses, successfully uncovering witness statements and obtaining any available CCTV footage to support our client’s claim. 

 Through these proactive measures, we were able to address the gaps in evidence, challenge the defendant’s assertions, and provide a robust case to secure the justice our client deserved. 

The Outcome 

Thanks to the tireless efforts of Claire, Charlotte, and Saffron, a settlement of £250,000 was secured for our client. This compensation provided her with the means to rebuild her life: 

• She accessed essential rehabilitation services, including vestibular physiotherapy, which was key to her recovery. 

• She gained a deeper understanding of her injuries and hospital experiences, which helped her process the trauma. 
• The financial security allowed her to regain her independence, reducing her reliance on friends and family for support. 

The settlement also enabled her to return to work sooner than expected, giving her hope and a sense of normalcy after months of uncertainty. 

Reflecting on her experience, she shared how the team made her feel less alone during one of the most challenging periods of her life. Their empathy, expertise, and dedication gave her the confidence to move forward. 

Following the conclusion of the claim the Claire Hutchinson stated that: 

“I was really pleased to be able to work with this client who, at the outset was understandably very concerned about what had happened but seemed to struggle more with the fact that she didn’t know what had happened and found this meant it was difficult to process the incident. We were able to ensure that there was an appropriate support structure in place with a case manager and certain therapists that would aid a quicker recovery.  it was great to see that ultimately my client was able to purchase a property and move to live independently despite the life changing injuries suffered.” 

At Fletchers, we know that life can change in an instant. But we also believe in the power of resilience and the importance of support during difficult times. If you or someone you know has experienced a life-changing injury, we’re here to help. 

Contact us today to find out how we can support you in rebuilding your life.