Car crash claim news
23/10/2009

Police officer wins accident compensation settlement

A former trainee police officer has won a High Court car crash claim of around £2 million compensation for an incident in which he suffered life-changing passenger injuries.

In 2003 the then 26-year-old had been travelling as passenger in an unmarked police car when the driver crashed the vehicle into a tree. The claimant suffered serious injuries in the incident, including a brain injury, collapsed lungs and multiple fractures.

The claimant has endured a traumatic period of rehabilitation during which he lost seven stone in weight and failed in an attempt to return to police training.

In handing out his 100 percent car crash claim judgement, the justice hearing the case commented, "I have no difficulty at all in approving this settlement, it is entirely in [the claimant's] interests."

A spokesperson for Surrey Police commented, "The hearing was held to approve an already-agreed settlement between Surrey police's insurers and a former police officer.

"[The claimant] was a passenger in a police car in March 2003 when the driver lost control and collided with a tree. He sustained life-changing injuries and was unable to return to frontline policing.

"A suitable alternative role within the force could not be identified and he retired on the grounds of ill-health.

The car crash claim was settled for a lump sum of £800,000 and ongoing yearly payments of £25,000.