A Dorset lawyer is warning of vigilance and caution over vehicle breakdowns following a major out of court settlement for one of his clients.
Personal injury specialist Steve Simpkins from Simpkins and Co solicitors in Highcliffe, has just won a substantial six figure payout for a Bournemouth man who sustained life changing injuries in a road traffic accident.
The 47 year old who has asked not to be named, sustained major trauma injuries following the freak accident in April 2011. As a favour to a friend, the victim was in a broken down car which was being towed to the garage when it was struck by another vehicle.
Steve said, “This fairly innocuous occurrence ended in tragedy for my client. He was simply doing a good turn which ended badly. The crash led to him being air lifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries which to this day still give him constant pain. It is actually heartbreaking for a family man who was previously in peak health. It goes to demonstrate how quickly your life can be altered.”
Following hospitalisation and rehab, the victim is now left with permanent disabilities and mobility issues. Speaking of the event he commented, “Prior to my accident I was an extremely active person and endurance sport enthusiast. I would run on average 5 marathons per year and had clocked up thirty two in the five year period before it happened. Despite the crash I still feel lucky to be alive as it literally came down to me being an inch away from death. Somebody was definitely looking after me that day.”
Steve Simpkins, who is a member of the Law Society Personal Injury Panel and Association of Personal Injury Lawyers Senior Litigator also advises people not to skimp on insurance policies, adding “There has been coverage in the media regarding bad practice around personal injury claims; but cases such as this demonstrate the importance of having good cover. Genuine claims have to be fought, and sometimes the legal process is protracted and costly. We are satisfied with the settlement, but it won’t take away the injuries or reinstate our client to full health. It will however help with long term issues such as unemployment or general financial support for his wife and children.”
In the event of needing to make a personal injury claim always check that the law firm is approved by APIL (Association of Personal Injury Lawyers) or seek testimonials from other clients.
Simpkins and Co Solicitors has offices in Highcliffe and Trafalgar Square in London. To contact them visit www.simpkinsand.co.uk
Julie-Anne Houldey
