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A pedestrian who suffered horrific crush injuries to his face after he was hit by a car whilst crossing the road has received more than £200,000 in damages.
The Unite the union member was helped by the union’s lawyers, Thompsons Solicitors, after he needed reconstructive surgery to his face following the accident.
The driver admitted liability in full and the member received the damages in an out of court settlement.
The 53-year-old was injured as he was crossing the road in November 2006. The driver of a parked vehicle reversed into him causing him to be trapped under the car.
Multiple injuries caused by accident
He suffered multiple fractures to his face and his eye was displaced. He also had fractures to his left arm, ribs and spine.
The injured pedestrian now walks with a stick and has double vision. His face is severely scarred and he has post traumatic stress disorder and agoraphobia, meaning he finds it difficult to leave his home.
At the time of the accident the member was working as a bus driver but his injuries were so serious that he has been unable to return to work.
Following the accident the member was advised by his union to pursue compensation. Thompsons Solicitors argued that the car driver was liable and should have checked it was safe before reversing.
Thompsons Solicitors made claim for compensation
The Unite member said: “I was crossing the road when I was suddenly hit by and trapped under a reversing car. I was probably only trapped for a few seconds but it was terrifying and felt like forever. I had a good job as a bus driver which I enjoyed but my injuries mean I cannot return to any kind of work.
“This compensation eases some of my worries about not being able to earn a living when I thought I had at least another ten years earnings.”
Laurence Faircloth from Unite Regional Secretary said: “This was every pedestrian’s nightmare and has left our member with injuries that are so extensive that he will never be able to work again. Fortunately his union membership meant he could get free help from Thompsons the most experienced title="Personal Injury">personal injury firm in the UK.”
James Davies from Thompsons Solicitors’ Bristol office added: “This was an horrific accident with serious long term consequences. We are pleased to have been able to help our client get the maximum compensation.”