In Britain in 2024, it is estimated that there were over 128,000 casualties as a result of road traffic collisions. This will include individuals suffering from very minor injuries right through to fatalities and life-changing injuries. It goes without saying that pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are more likely to suffer serious injury if they are struck by a vehicle than an occupant of a vehicle would. Whilst vehicle occupants suffering serious injury tend to be involved in higher speed incidents, a pedestrian or cyclist can suffer very significant injuries even at a low speed.
Kay Ditcham, Partner at TBI solicitors, specialises in securing compensation for individuals who have sustained serious, often life changing, injuries in road traffic accidents. Some of the cases she has recently dealt with are as follows:
Mrs H was struck by a vehicle whilst crossing the road and she suffered multiple fractures of her spine, pelvis, and shoulder. She also suffered a head injury and had to remain in hospital for several months after the accident, for neurological rehabilitation. The driver of the vehicle which hit her initially left the scene but was soon traced as a result of CCTV in the area. TBI secured a six-figure sum in compensation from the driver’s insurance company, as she would not be able to resume her work as a carer in a residential home, and indeed required input from carers herself.
Mr S was riding his bicycle when a car failed to see him established on a roundabout and collided with him, knocking him from his bicycle. He fractured multiple ribs and punctured a lung. He was out of work for some months. The lady driver who collided with him initially denied liability, suggesting that Mr S had changed lane on the roundabout without warning, but eventually the insurance company had to admit liability and pay Mr S for his injuries and his loss of earnings.
Mr F had taken a taxi home. He got out of the taxi which then did a three-point turn, colliding with him and knocking him to the ground, and then running over his leg. Mr F sustained very complex multiple fractures to his leg, which required several surgeries and months of hospital input. We were successful in securing a large figure in compensation for him to recognise the fact that he would always have symptoms in the injured leg and would not be able to do the heavy manual work he had carried out previously.
Mrs G was crossing the road on a zebra crossing when a car came around the corner, failed to stop, and knocked her to the ground. She fractured her hip and had to undergo hip replacement surgery. Mrs G was an elderly lady, and this affected her recovery time. As she was retired there was no loss of earnings claim, but she was compensated for her injuries and the care and assistance she needed following the accident.
Individuals who suffer serious injuries like these in an accident will have problems usually for long periods of time, with far-reaching effects upon their families, careers, and leisure time. This needs to be recognised when making a claim and TBI have extensive experience in recovering the appropriate sums for injured parties.
If you need advice about injuries sustained in a road traffic accident, please contact Kay Ditcham, or a member of our personal injury team on 01429 225200.
