Serious Injury Claim Following a Head‑On Collision
- vickki88
- May 20
- 2 min read
Brief Overview
Our client was involved in a high‑speed head‑on road traffic collision caused by another driver, travelling on the wrong side of the road.
He sustained multiple serious orthopaedic, spinal, nasal and psychological injuries. We provided litigation support throughout the claim, assisting with evidence management, expert coordination, liability analysis and settlement strategy.
The matter concluded successfully by way of a negotiated settlement exceeding £300,000.
Background
The collision occurred on a foggy morning when the client was driving his children to school. As they approached a bend, an oncoming vehicle crossed onto their side of the road, resulting in a head‑on impact. The client was trapped in the vehicle and required emergency medication at the scene. He had no recollection of the collision.
Liability was admitted in full by the defendant’s insurers.
Injuries and Medical Evidence
Orthopaedic Injuries
The client sustained:
Bilateral tibial plateau fractures requiring surgical fixation
A fractured clavicle
Multiple rib fractures
A lumbar vertebral fracture
Extensive soft‑tissue injuries and bruising
He remained in hospital for several weeks and was non‑weight‑bearing for several months. On discharge, he required a wheelchair, commode assistance and significant daily care.
Spinal Prognosis
Subsequent imaging revealed a symptomatic defect in the lower lumbar spine. A spinal specialist advised that:
The client was likely to experience long‑term back pain
Degenerative changes would progress with age
Future treatment may include facet joint injections, radiofrequency ablation or, if symptoms worsen, spinal fusion surgery
Nasal Injury
Following the accident, the client developed significant nasal obstruction and reduced sense of smell. An ENT specialist confirmed:
A traumatic deviation of the nasal septum
Likely benefit from corrective septal surgery
Private treatment costs estimated at around £5,000
Psychiatric Injury
Although the client had no memory of the collision itself, he developed:
Recurrent mild–moderate depressive episodes
Emotional lability and irritability
Occasional panic attacks
Persistent fatigue linked to chronic pain
A psychiatric expert concluded that these symptoms were directly attributable to the accident and the client’s prolonged physical recovery.
Impact on Daily Life
Before the accident, the client was active, independent and physically fit. Afterwards:
He required extensive care for washing, dressing, mobility and household tasks
He was unable to participate in normal parenting activities
He experienced chronic pain, reduced mobility and ongoing fatigue
He was absent from work for several months and returned only on a phased basis
His functional assessment indicated moderate disability.
Outcome
The claim settled by agreement, for a sum exceeding £300,000, reflecting pain, suffering, loss of amenity, past and future care, treatment costs, loss of earnings and long‑term risk.
Conclusion
This case illustrates the importance of coordinated expert evidence, clear liability presentation and robust quantification in serious injury litigation. Despite complex injuries and long‑term prognosis issues, the claim achieved a strong settlement that properly compensated the client for the life‑changing impact of the collision.
If you are facing a similar issue and would like clear, practical legal advice, our team is here to help.
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