Lawyers Helping Woman left needing a wheelchair After Out-Of-Control Car Collided With Her Vehicle

A North East student who suffered serious injuries and was left needing a wheelchair when her car was hit by an out-of-control vehicle, has expressed relief that the driver responsible for the crash has pleaded guilty.

Chloe Courty, 21, suffered a bleed on the brain, fractures to her ribs, right elbow and wrist, as well as fractures to both thigh bones and left knee and foot. She was also left with severe cuts to her arms and legs and had to stay in intensive care as she underwent multiple operations for her injuries.

The Northumbria University student, from Gateshead, has instructed specialist serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office to help secure funds to help with the specialist treatment and rehabilitation she now needs to assist with her recovery after being forced to put her studies on hold while she overcame her injuries.

Chloe says that she can begin to concentrate purely on getting her life back on track now that the driver responsible, Gloria Smith, has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving at Newcastle Crown Court today (10 December 2013).

On the evening of 25 October 2012, Chloe was driving her Vauxhall Corsa along Chowdene Bank, Gateshead, when the defendant’s Land Rover Discovery left the same road, travelled along a grass verge, before moving back onto Chowdene Bank colliding with Chloe’s car.

Chloe had to be cut out of her vehicle by a fire crew and was rushed by ambulance to the Royal Victoria Infirmary for surgery on her various orthopaedic injuries.

She was then transferred to Intensive Care for around a week and underwent further surgery on her severe fractures to insert plates, rods and screws to help them heal.

Since being discharged from hospital, around a month after the crash, Chloe was wheelchair dependent until February 2013. She then relied on crutches and a walking frame for a further three months and needed lots of care and assistance from her parents for months following the accident.

Chloe said: “Although I have no memory of the accident, I know I was on my way to a friend’s house when it happened. The next few weeks are a complete blur but I’m aware that I was in hospital and had various operations on my arms and legs.

“The accident has basically put my life on hold. I had just gone back to Northumbria University for the final year of my English Language degree, but I have had to take a year out from my studies because of my injuries.

“Since being discharged, I’ve had two further operations and I need at least two more in the next year or so. I’ve had hydrotherapy sessions and physiotherapy is ongoing, as it will take a while to fully recover.

“I’m just relieved that the driver has eventually pleaded guilty, so I can draw a line under the criminal side of things. This year has been horrendous for me and I’m so glad that justice has been served. I can’t thank people enough for their help and support; it's been overwhelming and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”

Fran Mayes, a Partner in the specialist serious injury team at Irwin Mitchell representing her, said:

Expert Opinion

Chloe suffered extremely serious injuries which will more than likely affect her for the rest of her life. She was looking forward to her final year at University but instead she was left needing a wheelchair or crutches for six months.

“Nothing can turn back the clock and prevent this accident from happening but we are now working with Chloe and the driver’s insurers to secure a settlement so that she can get the treatment and support she needs to help make as good a recovery as possible.

“This case highlights the dangers of driving dangerously on the roads and shows the impact it can have on other road users. All drivers need to take responsibility for their actions and realise that the consequences of an accident can be life-changing.” Fran Mayes - Partner

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