Road Accident Claim Awarded £550,000 Compensation Case Study

A Road Accident Claim Case Study

A Cambridgeshire parcel courier who suffered crippling leg injuries when his stationary van was hit by another vehicle has received £550,000 compensation.

Andrew Hutcheson, aged 59, from Eynesbury, St Neots, spent three months in hospital after suffering multiple fractures to both legs in the accident.

Andrew was sorting out parcels at the back of his Parcelforce van when he was hit by another vehicle, crushing his legs. 

"All I remember is a thump, and the next thing I knew I was on the side of the road being attended to," said Andrew. "I was rushed to hospital, where they saved my life, and then rushed to another hospital where they did their best to put my legs back together."

"I had to stay in hospital from the end of November to the end of February. I can now walk a few steps using a walking frame and can drive using hand controls, but it will be another year before the doctors know how much movement I’ll get back. Whatever happens, I’ll have a permanent disability."

Andrew is an avid collector of TVR sports cars and hopes to recover sufficient use of his legs to drive them again.

Andrew and his disabled wife Rose, 67, will use the compensation to pay for their move from a second floor flat with no lift, to a nearby house specially adapted for their needs.

He and Rose plan to move to their new home early next year. It is located less than half a mile away from their current flat so they will be able to keep in touch with friends and neighbours.

Andrew said, "Simpson Millar were first rate. Nothing was too much trouble and they were always willing to offer help and advice. They did a wonderful job and we can’t thank them enough." 

Sarah-Jayne Bell, a specialist Personal Injury Solicitor at Simpson Millar said, “Andrew wanted to settle the claim urgently and purchase a new house, without having to live in temporary accommodation. He also wanted to avoid lots of medical evaluations and we were able to deliver a compensation settlement that met all his requirements within seven months of the accident.

"Andrew was happy to settle at the large sum offered speedily by the responsible party. He is now looking to continuing his life and we wish him well."