Jennifer’s Story: Regaining Independence After a Life-Changing Road Traffic Accident

How Minster Law helped a care and support personal assistant to secure essential treatment, support and payments following a life-changing serious injury.

Summary:

• Following a serious road traffic collision in January 2023, Jennifer sustained multiple complex orthopaedic injuries and required significant rehabilitation and support.
• Minster Law secured early intervention, coordinated a comprehensive rehabilitation package, and obtained interim payments to ensure financial stability.
• The claim concluded in December 2024 with a substantial settlement, enabling Jennifer to focus on recovery and regain her independence and quality of life.

Jennifer was involved in a serious road traffic accident in January 2023 when she was 59 years old.

At the time of the collision, Jennifer worked as a Care and Support Personal assistant. She was on her way to work when it started hail stoning. She noticed the Defendant travelling in the opposite direction but wasn’t concerned, as he was on his side of road and there was a middle lane between them.

The next thing she felt was an impact to the front of her car, which pushed her car backwards and up the banking at the side of the road. On impact, both airbags deployed and the windscreen shattered.

Jennifer had no opportunity to avoid the collision.

Jennifer was trapped in the car and couldn’t pull her leg free. The fire and ambulance service attended, got her out of the car and to hospital.

As a result of the collision, Jennifer sustained bruising, lacerations and fractures to her neck, back, ribs, sternum and teeth.

She sustained a comminuted fracture of her left tibia and fibula, which required revision surgery and the fitting of an external fixator. She has also suffered psychologically.

Jennifer has not returned to work as a Care and Support Personal Assistant since the accident.

Following the collision, Jennifer required assistance from family with personal care, attending appointments and day to day tasks.

Minster Law was instructed by Jennifer following the collision. Liability for the collision remained under investigation. However, with Minster Law’s involvement, a case manager was jointly instructed between the parties and an immediate needs assessment was agreed. Jennifer benefited from the input and support from a case manager, coordinating and organising her rehabilitation.

Jennifer underwent early rehabilitation intervention, which included, but not limited to, intensive physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, psychological therapy and occupational therapy input. Cleaning and gardening assistance was put in place, and Jennifer had the provision of a taxi account. All the rehabilitation was funded by the third-party insurer.

Minster Law secured interim payments throughout the duration of the claim to ensure Jennifer was financially secure.

The external fixator on Jennifers Tibia and Fibula remained in place for 15 months until April 2024, when it was removed.

The case settled for a substantial sum in December of 2024. The settlement reached by Minster Law has provided Jennifer with financial security for her future.

Jennifer’s comments

Initially, I felt extremely vulnerable after the accident, not aware of the extent of my injuries, and I certainly didn’t expect to spend four weeks in hospital.

Candice at Minster Law took up my case whilst I was still in hospital, then came to Cornwall to assess what was needed once I was settled at home. At this point, I wasn’t really able to get around very well, so spent a lot of time resting and reading.

Following Candice’s visit, I had an independent case manager assigned to me, who arranged for private physiotherapy. This gave me the confidence to do little walks outside, as well as regular appointments at their practice. These continued for two years. I certainly wouldn’t be in the position I am now without it. I now swim three times a week and go to strengthening classes locally. Being on crutches for almost two years really knocks your stamina, therefore exercising to return to optimal health has been very important to me.

Also, at this point it was also arranged that I have an account with a local taxi firm which gave me independence to get to my appointments. I also had a cleaner and gardener as I was no longer able physically to do these jobs.

Two and a half years later I was able to start doing these jobs myself, even though at first it took a little longer. My goal was also to do one of my favourite longer walks. This I managed as well. Throughout my recovery, I was never in any doubt that I would achieve my independence again. I started driving again in 2025, although at first I found it physically and mentally draining. Now a year on, I’m happy driving locally but I tend to take the train for longer journeys, when I visit my family. I still love reading and spending time in my studio.

No one expects something so life changing to happen to them. I was lucky that I had the amazing support from Candice and Minster Law, and all those involved in my recovery.

Comments from Candice Watson- Associate – Minster Law

I went to visit Jennifer at home in February 2023 following her discharge from hospital.

As with most clients I act for, Jennifer had never been involved in such a serious accident resulting in life changing injuries.

We sat and chatted about her life before the accident and how I would be able to assist, support and advise her following the accident.

Jennifer is a remarkable lady who showed resilience throughout. Throughout the claims process she was committed to achieving the best possible outcomes with the rehabilitation I was able to secure and agree funding for with the Defendants.

It was great to catch up with Jennifer 17 months after settlement and see how much the early rehabilitation intervention and support she received has benefited her. She has made a remarkable recovery and continues to focus on her needs and therapy. I was really pleased to hear that she has returned in some way to her hobbies of walking, gardening and painting.

It has been truly rewarding getting to know Jennifer and her family and knowing that the settlement has helped her alleviate her financial burdens.

I wish her all the best for the future.