Road Victim Awareness Month serves as an important reminder of the devastating impact that road traffic collisions can have on individuals and their families. Every year, people across the UK sustain life-changing injuries as a result of negligent driving, often facing lengthy recoveries and significant disruption to their education, employment and independence. In this case, our client Sophie suffered multiple serious injuries when a driver who was over the legal alcohol limit lost control of her vehicle. Through early intervention, specialist rehabilitation and ongoing support, Sophie has been able to make significant progress in her recovery while continuing her university studies.
The incident
Sophie*, who is based in Cornwall, was a rear-seat passenger travelling behind the driver in a vehicle being driven by the Defendant. There were two other passengers in the vehicle, one seated in the front passenger seat and the other in the rear seat behind the front passenger.
The accident occurred between approximately 3am and 4am while Sophie was being given a lift home. Although Sophie had attended the same venue as the Defendant earlier that evening, they had not been part of the same group. They met afterwards in a nearby car park, where Sophie asked the Defendant for a lift home.
At the time of the collision, the Defendant was driving significantly in excess of the speed limit. She lost control of the vehicle and collided with a roadside bank.
The Defendant was under the influence of alcohol and was subsequently prosecuted for driving without due care and attention whilst over the prescribed alcohol limit.
Injuries sustained
As a result of the collision, Sophie suffered multiple serious injuries, including:
- A diaphragmatic rupture;
- Bowel and colon tears;
- A rib fracture;
- A 10cm facial laceration; and
- Most significantly, fractures to her spine between T12 and L2.
Medical treatment and recovery
Sophie was taken by ambulance to her local hospital before being transferred to a regional trauma centre due to the severity of her injuries.
She underwent emergency surgery and was fitted with a thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO) brace. Following treatment, she remained an inpatient for approximately two weeks before being discharged home, where she lived with her mother, who provided care and assistance during her recovery.
Following discharge, Sophie continued to experience significant symptoms, including:
- Ongoing pain in her back and hips;
- Headaches;
- Difficulties sleeping;
- Reduced mobility;
- Inability to sit or stand for prolonged periods;
- Low mood and increased anxiety;
- Reduced sensation around areas of scarring; and
- Concerns regarding her facial scarring, which affected her confidence and self-image.
Impact on employment and education
At the time of the accident, Sophie was undertaking casual work at a local pub while between periods of study. Owing to her injuries, she was unable to return to that employment.
Enable Law’s Tim Jones were instructed at the end of July 2025 and immediately submitted a Letter of Claim to the Defendant’s insurer.
As Sophie was due to leave for university in September 2025, a considerable distance from her family home, there was an urgent need to assess her rehabilitation requirements. We therefore arranged an Immediate Needs Assessment at the earliest opportunity.
There were concerns regarding her ability to manage the transition to university life, cope without her usual support network and engage effectively with her studies. Prior to the accident, Sophie had also intended to undertake part-time work during evenings, weekends and university holidays to supplement her student finance and support her living costs.
Liability and rehabilitation
The Defendant’s insurer made an early admission of primary liability and agreed to fund both the Immediate Needs Assessment and Sophie’s ongoing rehabilitation programme.
This rehabilitation package has included:
- Case management – support generally with arranging treatment and rehabilitation, including the below but also assisting with NHS neurosurgery, pain management/sensory changes and consideration of further review as necessary, including a review of daily living to ensure that a restorative approach is taken
- Physiotherapy – initial assessment which recommended treatment with a view to improving confidence, allow a return to independence in respect of daily living, improve muscles strength and mobility, client is awaiting NHS review and this will be put in place if no suitable provision is available
- Occupational therapy/scar management – aim of improving the appearance, reduce sensitivity/adhesions/firmness therapy techniques, appropriate products to support maturation and identify changes to progress programme independently, the scarring responded well to treatment and ongoing home treatments are continuing
- Psychology – 22 sessions of trauma focused CBT were completed to help her understand the symptoms and provide appropriate strategies and techniques which provided significant improvement in symptoms of PTSD and a renewed sense of self
- University – Sophie completed and passed the first year of her undergraduate psychology degree, she does have concerns about return due to back pain and sensory changes and therefore ongoing review of additional support and recommendations will be made.
Conclusion
This case demonstrates the importance of obtaining early admissions of liability and implementing rehabilitation at the earliest opportunity following a serious road traffic accident. Through prompt legal intervention, access to specialist rehabilitation and the recovery of interim payments, Sophie has been able to make substantial progress in her recovery, continue with her university education and regain a significant degree of independence while her claim continues.
*Name has been changed
