£25,000 Compensation Received In Road Traffic Accident Claim
Following a very serious collision, our client, Mr D, had grounds for a significant road traffic accident claim. The accident caused a serious shoulder injury with long-term repercussions on his ability to work, and he sought the assistance of GA’s expert personal injury solicitors in Plymouth to secure suitable compensation.
In this road traffic accident claim, Mr D was the passenger in a high-speed crash which happened on a dual carriageway. The car was travelling at approximately 70mph when the driver hit surface water on the road and the car aquaplaned, and he lost control. The car travelled across the carriageway, the passenger side door hit a tree and ended up off the road in a ditch, having spun around a number of times.
Mr D lost consciousness briefly in the collision. He injured his shoulder along with soft tissue injuries, lacerations, bruising and whiplash. He was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Mr D was a serving member of the Armed Forces. He needed time off work and was downgraded as he was unable to do his full activities and was not allowed to be deployed abroad.
The Defendant tried to buy off the road traffic accident claim for a modest sum of around £1,900. He then sought advice from the personal injury solicitors at GA. We advised that the offer was derisory and should not be accepted. He then instructed us to pursue the claim on his behalf. This offer had been made before the full extent of the injuries was known.
In order to secure an appropriate level of road traffic accident compensation, our personal injury solicitors obtained and reviewed Mr D’s medical records and instructed an orthopaedic expert who specialised in shoulder injuries. They recommended an MRI scan to determine the full extent of any structural injury to the shoulder. This was arranged between the driver’s insurer and us. Following the MRI scan, we obtained a further report from the orthopaedic expert to deal with the period of recovery and any further treatment.
The orthopaedic expert had noted that Mr D also suffered from symptoms of travel anxiety and had difficulties driving after the collision. They recommended that a clinical psychologist examine Mr D. We sought psychological expert opinion that Mr D had suffered from a travel phobia for a period as a result of the collision.
We also considered the different losses to be claimed, including the extent of Mr D’s injury and impact on his life, his past and future loss of earnings, loss of congenial employment and future treatment costs. These factors came together to support what was a complex and sizeable road traffic accident claim. We received an offer from the driver’s insurer of around £25,000, a significant increase on their previous position. We assessed the offer fully and considered the reasonable losses that could be claimed as a result of the injuries suffered in the collision.
We advised Mr D of the potential longer-term risks should his shoulder injury not recover in line with the expert’s prognosis. Mr D chose to accept the offer to settle his claim.
This complex road traffic accident claim highlights the life-changing impact that a serious collision can have, and emphasises the importance of seeking suitable legal advice. While no amount could provide a complete substitute for the physical damage done, GA’s expert personal injury solicitors were able to ensure that Mr D was awarded a significant amount of compensation.
If you or a loved one has also suffered the lasting effects of a road traffic collision, you could also be entitled to make a road traffic accident claim. GA’s expert personal injury solicitors can help you through this process and have years of experience securing compensation for victims in this position. Please call the team on 203500 or email enquiries@GAsolicitors.com to find out how we can help you.
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