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Client injured in high speed motorway collision

22 July 2009

Shoosmiths gained a very satisfactory outcome for Ms X following a motor accident.

What we did

Ms X suffered injuries to her lower back and severe psychological symptoms relating to travel anxiety following a motorway accident when the car in which she a passenger was involved in a rear end shunt collision with a car travelling at speed. Shoosmiths represented Ms X from the start to the conclusion of the case, advising her under the terms of her legal expenses insurance policy.

Background

The defendant collided at speed into the rear of the vehicle in which the Claimant together with her husband and 2 young children were travelling.  After carrying out investigations, Shoosmiths obtained a full admission of liability.

Court proceedings were issued and served, but it was possible for Shoosmiths to achieve a negotiated settlement with the defendant's solicitors without the case reaching trial.

Ms X, who was 25 when the accident happened, sustained a fracture to her spine together with other more minor injuries which persisted despite receiving treatment. She also suffered psychological symptoms including nightmares, flashbacks, and her sleep was affected. She also became an anxious driver and passenger when travelling on motorways. With psychological therapy these symptoms reduced and were modest at the date of settlement.

Ms X's injuries prevented her from returning to her office based job and affected her ability to carry out some household tasks, care for her young children and limited her ability to drive on motorways/busy roads.

The settlement included, in addition to the claim for the injuries suffered, claims for loss of earnings, medical treatment fees with osteopaths, physiotherapists, additional travelling costs, prescription charges, and the cost of equipment specifically to assist with the treatment of the client's back pain.

Case handler

The case was handled by Sara Evans, of Shoosmiths' Catastrophic Injuries Unit, which specialises in claims arising from fatal and catastrophic injuries. As well as providing prompt and accurate legal advice Sara was also able to advise on issues including interim payments and the provision of rehabilitative treatment.

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Get in touch

Sara Evans

Team Leader
T: 08700 86 6459
I: +44 (0)1256 69 6459
E: sara.evans@shoosmiths.co.uk