Our client was involved in a multi-vehicle collision om the M8 motorway.
As traffic ahead began to slow, they applied their brakes. While doing so, their vehicle was struck from behind by another car. Moments later, a second collision occurred when an additional vehicle impacted the car behind, forcing it into our client’s vehicle for a second time. The incident formed part of a wider chain-reaction collision involving six vehicles.
We obtained expert opinions from both a General Practitioner and a Consultant Psychiatrist. Their assessments confirmed that the client sustained:
- soft-tissue injuries to the head, neck, chest and lower back
- facial bruising
- initial shock; and
- an isolated driving-related phobia
Physical injuries resolved fully within two months. Psychological symptoms were expected to resolve with a course of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
A claim was presented to the insurers of both vehicles that struck our client. However, neither insurer accepted liability or indicated a willingness to compensate at that stage. With no progress possible, we raised a court action to protect the client’s position and progress the case.
Even after the action commenced, liability continued to be disputed. Despite this ongoing dispute, one insurer made an offer to settle – conditional upon the second insurer accepting a share of responsibility for the collision.
Settlement
Ultimately, the second insurer agreed to the proposed apportionment, enabling our client to accept the offer. A final settlement of £8,600 was achieved.
Our client was extremely satisfied with the outcome, particularly given the complex and disputed nature of the liability throughout the claim.
