Enable Law client Meg* was working as an HGV driver when her life changed in an instant. While driving as part of her job, another motorist briefly fell asleep at the wheel and swerved into her path, causing a devastating head-on collision. Tragically, the other driver died as a result of his injuries. Meg survived, likely due to the size and protection of her HGV, but she sustained serious physical and psychological injuries.
The impact of the collision was profound, not only because of the injuries Meg suffered, but also due to the trauma of being involved in a fatal accident.
Injuries and ongoing symptoms
As a result of the collision, Meg sustained a range of injuries, including a probable mild traumatic brain injury and a significant concussional head injury with memory loss. She went on to experience tinnitus, fatigue, mood disturbance and reduced concentration, affecting her day-to-day functioning.
She was also diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and Generalised Anxiety Disorder, alongside physical injuries including a small pneumothorax, soft tissue injuries to her wrists, bruising to her hip and a cut to her eyelid. There were also concerns about potential damage to her cochlear implant, which Meg has had since childhood.
Liability and early progress
Liability was admitted relatively early, allowing Enable Law to focus on securing the right medical evidence and rehabilitation support to help Meg recover.
Given the complexity of her injuries, Enable Law instructed a multidisciplinary team of experts, including a clinical neuropsychologist, clinical psychologist, ENT consultant, consultant in emergency medicine and a neuroradiology expert to assess whether her cochlear implant had been affected.
Rehabilitation and support
The medical evidence highlighted the importance of addressing not only Meg’s physical injuries, but also the psychological impact of the accident. Although initially reluctant to explore psychological treatment, Enable Law carefully supported and encouraged Meg to engage with therapy, based on expert recommendations.
Meg undertook cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which she found extremely beneficial, helping her manage anxiety, low mood and the emotional trauma linked to the collision and the subsequent inquest into the other driver’s death. Rehabilitation was also arranged to help with tinnitus, fatigue and cognitive symptoms.
Impact on work and daily life
Meg returned to driving a few weeks after the accident, but found this psychologically challenging. Although she initially attempted to continue working, she ultimately had to give up her HGV role and move into a different driving job. She continues to find ongoing therapy helpful, and part of her settlement will fund further treatment.
Securing a fair outcome
Court proceedings were issued to protect Meg’s position as the three-year limitation deadline approached. However, the claim successfully settled before reaching court. After Enable Law challenged an initial offer that did not reflect the medical evidence, the final settlement was agreed at £52,500 following an improved Part 36 offer.
By encouraging Meg to address both the physical and psychological effects of the accident, Enable Law helped her access the support she needed to move forward. She continues with therapy and rehabilitation, focusing on long-term recovery and wellbeing after a deeply traumatic experience.
How Enable Law can help you
At Enable Law, we have helped hundreds of injured people rebuild their lives following a life changing road traffic accident. If you want to speak to a member of our team, call for free on 0800 044 8488 or fill in our contact form so we can call you back at a time convenient to you or arrange for one of our colleagues to visit you at home or hospital. We take all our personal injury cases on a no win no fee basis so you will never have to pay for our work out of pocket.
*Name has been changed
