Expert Lawyers Secure Vital £6 Million Settlement To Aid Recovery From Devastating Collision In Germany

A former company director, who was catastrophically injured in a devastating road traffic collision during a motor biking trip in Germany four years ago, has spoken of his hopes for the future after securing a €7.3 million (£6.1 million) settlement following the life-changing crash.

Former IBM sales director Shane Booth, 39, was in a coma for several weeks after the incident in August 2009, when he collided with a tractor close to Baden-Baden – a crash which left him with a traumatic brain injury, multiple fractures and serious internal injuries.

Now, following a difficult four years of treatment both in Germany and the UK, specialist serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have helped Shane secure the funds from the tractor driver’s insurers which will allow him to access further vital rehabilitation and ongoing care that he will need for the rest of his life.

Expert Opinion

Before the crash Shane enjoyed a hugely successful career with one of the biggest companies in the world.

"However, every aspect of Shane’s life as he knew it was devastated following this terrible accident and, while he has made huge steps forward in his recovery, he still needs around-the-clock support as he continues to come to terms with what he has been through.

"We are delighted to have helped Shane secure these funds which will make a huge difference to him. His courage and determination have been highlighted in the progress he has made in recent years and we hope this now allows him to look to the future." Lesley Edwards - Senior Associate

Shane, from Shirley in Solihull, was injured in the collision with the tractor while travelling along the B500 Schwarzwaldhochstrasse near Baden-Baden in Germany during a motor biking holiday with friends in August 2009.

Following detailed investigations, it was established that the driver of the tractor was attempting to turn left across Shane’s path at the time of the incident. The driver was convicted of causing bodily harm by negligence, with a subsequent appeal in relation to the ruling also being rejected.

Looking back at the past four years, Shane said: “The crash has completely transformed my life. Prior to the accident, I had a successful career at IBM and was a keen sportsman who tried most activities including running the London marathon.

“This has all changed since what I’ve been through and I’ll never be able to return to work, with the accident leaving me with many permanent reminders of what has happened.”

In the past four years, Shane has made huge progress in terms of improving his ability to speak and is continuing work to be able to walk again.

He added: “While I do get frustrated with needing support to do simple tasks, looking back at pictures of me at the time I also recognise how extremely lucky I am to even be alive.

“Securing these funds is a massive relief to both me and my family, as it means that I will continue to get the support and rehabilitation I need to hopefully continue to make further improvements.

“I have put a huge amount of determination and willpower into getting this far, but securing justice following the incident has made me keen to now well and truly put the collision behind me and look forward to what the future holds.”

As a result of the ongoing criminal proceedings in Germany during the initial stages of the claim, the Defendant’s insurers refused to admit liability.

However, Irwin Mitchell worked with the German lawyers acting in the criminal proceedings and gathered sufficient evidence to persuade the insurers to fund the cost of assessing Shane’s needs on discharge from hospital, to ensure that he had the best continuous care possible.

The insurers were also persuaded to release interim funds to provide Shane with a case manager and intensive rehabilitation. Ultimately, parallel civil proceedings were issued here in England to ensure that the case was progressed and Shane continued to receive funds to provide for his care until a final settlement could be negotiated.

Expert Opinion

Shane’s determination to live life to the full despite everything he has been through is truly inspirational.

"Sadly, his case is like many we see at Irwin Mitchell, where people suffer life-changing injuries and require long-term rehabilitation and support to gain some kind of independence.

"A case like this is an important reminder of the terrible consequences that road safety failings can have on all road users." Lesley Edwards - Senior Associate

If you or a loved one has suffered an accident or illness abroad as the result of a road traffic accident while on holiday, we could help you to claim the compensation you deserve. See our Road Traffic Accident Abroad Claims page for more information.