Every year in August, during Road Victim Awareness Month, we take time to remember those who have been lost or injured in road crashes. This month is a stark reminder of the devastating impact these incidents have, not just on the victims themselves, but on the families and loved ones left behind.
Our client Imogen was a passenger in her friend’s car returning home from college. Alisha, her friend, was driving very carefully. They were driving along the A388 in Cornwall when the driver of a flatbed truck lost control of his vehicle, crossed into the opposite lane and crashed into their car.
She suffered a series of serious internal and external injuries including bone fractures, a head injury as well as some nerve damage. She was told that her friend had died at the scene.
The impact the crash had on Imogen was unimaginable. She did not just have her injuries to contend with that were serious on their own right but also the loss of her friend. She had been the passenger in the car and even though nothing she or her friend did had at all contributed to the crash happening, it was impossible to hold back feelings of guilt for her having survived it and her friend having not.
Imogen said about what happened to her and her friend: “I have felt so guilty about surviving it has eaten me up. I have felt very angry about what happened and there are so many unanswered questions.”
Sharing her story like this is an opportunity for Imogen to make sure her friend is remembered and that drivers think twice before driving dangerously as the impact of their action can be catastrophic.
Tim Jones, Imogen’s solicitor, was instructed soon after the incident took place. He managed to secure significant interim payments from the defendant’s insurer to secure a rehabilitation package for Imogen to help her get the right physio and psychological support to deal with her injuries. Personal injury claims have a provision in them to support victims that have suffered psychological injuries as well as physical. Therapy can and does help over time but there is nothing that can bring back one’s loved one.
RoadPeace, the road victims charity, are campaigning for better support available to those that have lost a loved one to the roads. The road victim awareness campaign aims to raise awareness about the unacceptable number of deaths and injuries on UK roads and to highlight the devastating impact of road crashes on families, communities and the emergency services.
Tim Jones said ” This Road Victim Awareness Month, let’s pledge to drive responsibly and make our roads safer for everyone. In doing so, we can honour the memory of those who have been lost and ensure a brighter future for ourselves and our loved ones. ”
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries or lost someone you care about because of someone’s negligence or actions we can help you. To have a free, confidential discussion with Tim or a member of his team call us on 0800 044 8488 or fill in our contact form so we can call you back at a time best for you Contact Us | Enable Law.
Find out more about RoadPeace, their work, and the way they can support you today.
