Client pinned between two cars after driver fleeing police smashes through wall | Fieldfisher
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Case Study

Client pinned between two cars after driver fleeing police smashes through wall

A close-up of two cars involved in a rear-end collision. The rear end of the silver car is heavily dented, and the front of a red vehicle is partially visible with its door open. Both cars show significant damage and debris is scattered on the ground.

Lewis Ayre settled a road accident claim on behalf of his client Craig* who was pinned between two vehicles following a collision caused by a car fleeing the police.

Craig, his partner and his step-daughter were on the pavement walking to the local park. They had noticed police sirens in the distance when suddenly a car travelling straight towards them mounted the pavement. Craig's partner thankfully managed to pull his step-daughter to safety, but the car crashed through a wall and collided with a parked car, which hit Craig and pinned him between another parked car on his other side. Craig was trapped between the vehicles, unaware of the extent of his injuries for over an hour before he was released by emergency services.

Craig was taken to Royal London Hospital where he was diagnosed with a severe open fracture dislocation of the right ankle requiring surgical fixation and crush injuries to the chest and pelvis.

An Immediate Needs Assessment was arranged upon instruction to assess Craig's rehabilitation needs. Despite the driver being arrested at the scene and the accident being caught in full on CCTV, the insurers would not concede liability, nor provide interim funds to pay for Craig's rehabilitation.

Proceedings were issued at Court straight away and an immediate application made for an interim payment of damages, which was eventually conceded by the defendant insurer before it was heard by the Court. The sum allowed for a significant package of treatment, therapy and on-going support.

Craig benefited from a multi-disciplinary package of rehabilitation comprising private orthopaedic review, physiotherapy and psychological support. At the time of the accident he had been working as a self-employed Pianist and so it was essential that his ankle fracture was managed to ensure his future ability to play was not compromised.

As Court proceedings progressed Lewis gathered expert medical evidence from a number of specialisms to support Craig's claim. His partner, having been directly witnesses the collision and providing support to Craig in the immediate aftermath whilst he was trapped between two vehicles, was added to the claim as a secondary victim due to the psychological injuries he had suffered as a result.

Following exchange of expert evidence between the parties, Lewis was able to negotiate a substantial settlement on behalf of both Craig and his partner, which will ensure their on-going therapy and treatment needs will be met.

*name changed

For further information about road traffic accident claims and personal injury claims, please call Lewis Ayre on 0330 460 6788 or email lewis.ayre@fieldfisher.com.

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