Gillian was driving home to Belfast from Dublin Airport having just returned from a work trip. She was on the motorway traveling through Co. Louth when another vehicle that was travelling in the wrong direction caused a serious car accident. The head on collision was of such force that her earliest memory was of her being rushed to A&E by ambulance. Gillian suffered several injuries including a serious ankle fracture and injuries to her face, neck, shoulder, chest, pelvis and knee. She also suffered psychological injuries. The injuries were so severe that she had multiple attendances with her GP, treating Consultants at various hospitals along with counselling, physiotherapy and acupuncture treatment in an effort to aid her recovery. Gillian was later informed that the driver of the other vehicle sadly passed away as a result of their injuries sustained in the accident which only compounded her grief and added to her psychological issues.
Gillian contacted McCartan Turkington Breen for legal advice on the recommendation of a family member. As the car accident occurred in the Republic of Ireland, we were able to accept instruction through our sister firm, F.V. Harty & Co. Having qualified as a solicitor in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, Michael Allison visited Gillian’s home and took her instruction.
Michael issued letters of claim to the nominated party on behalf of the other driver, the third-party vehicle owner and the insurance provider at the time of the car crash. He organised for Gillian to be examined by an emergency medicine consultant, consultant plastic surgeon, consultant obstetrician & gynaecologist, consultant psychiatrist and two consultant orthopaedic surgeons to specifically detail her injuries and prognosis.
As the accident occurred in the Republic of Ireland, Michael lodged the claim with the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB). PIAB were not able to assess the claim due to the extent of the injuries and complexity of the medical evidence. Therefore, a court authorisation was issued to allow the client to bring legal proceedings to resolve the claim. Consequently, Michael issued proceedings through the High Court in Dublin.
High Court proceedings were advanced, and the defendants’ legal representatives admitted liability for the road traffic collision. Michael entered settlement negotiations and the matter was resolved in the total sum of €90,000. Gillian was delighted with the outcome and looked forward to putting the events behind her and moving on with her life.
If you were injured on the roads anywhere on the island of Ireland, our team of personal injury solicitors are available to help. You can learn more about our Road Traffic Accident Claims service or contact us for a free, no commitment discussion with a personal injury specialist lawyer.
The name referenced throughout this case study is a pseudonym that has been put in place to protect the client’s privacy.
