Mother-Of-Two Unable To Return To Work After Being Hit By Reversing Vehicle

Specialist lawyers representing a mother-of-two who needed major hip surgery and counselling after being struck by a taxi in Derby last year have taken a vital step forward in their battle for justice, after securing both vital financial support for her and an admission of liability regarding the crash.

Lorraine Coburn, 51, has been unable to return to her job as a bank clerk since the incident on May 6th 2014, when she suffered serious hip fractures after being hit by a reversing yellow taxi as she crossed the road on Victoria Street in Derby.

The severity of her injuries meant she ultimately required a hip replacement operation, while she continues to require counselling as she tries to come to terms with the psychological trauma of the incident and the fear of taxis she has developed.

While the taxi driver involved initially denied hitting her, he subsequently pleaded guilty for Driving Without Due Care and Attention and was fined £400 and had seven points added to his license.

Now, specialist serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell representing Mrs Coburn have helped her to secure a second interim payment which will provide her with financial support as her case continues, while they have also received an admission of liability regarding the incident from the taxi driver’s insurers.

Expert Opinion

This case is a terrible example of the life-changing consequences that road traffic collisions can have on those involved.

"Not only did Mrs Coburn need major hip surgery and require adaptations to her home, but she has suffered financial worries due to being unable to work and continues to receive counselling support as she works to come to terms with the psychological effects of the incident.

"We are delighted to have helped her secure interim payments that provide reassurance and financial support at this incredibly difficult time, and also hope to work quickly to help her secure justice regarding her case following the admission of liability from the driver’s insurer." Ian Whittaker - Paralegal & Associate

Lorraine Coburn, from Oakwood in Derby, was struck by the taxi on Victoria Street in Derby as the vehicle reversed at speed. She was taken to Derby Royal Infirmary after the accident with serious hip injuries resulting her son, Jack, now aged 16, having to heavily assist around the home.  Subsequent problems with Lorraine’s hip has meant she required a hip replacement on 11 June 2014.

The driver did not come to assist her at the scene and initially denied the incident during investigations. However, on the morning of the court hearing, he pleaded guilty to the charge of Driving Without Due Care and Attention.

She recalled: “The whole incident was incredibly traumatic and I am still coming to terms with it. One of the most difficult aspects to deal with was the fact the driver did not try to help me and also denied the incident. I had to brace myself for a criminal trial only for the guilty plea to come at the last minute – when paired with my health problems, it was incredibly hard to cope with.”

With the help of Irwin Mitchell, Lorraine is receiving rehabilitation support and counselling as she works to come to terms with the incident.

Around nine months on from the incident however, the problems she continues to suffer means she has been unable to return to work.  She remains in pain and is having ongoing psychological problems and her son Jack is still having to takeover many of the household responsibilities.

Lorraine added: “You never expect something like this to happen to you and it has had an absolutely massive impact on my life. I still cannot face returning to the accident site and am also terrified when I see yellow taxis driving around Derby.

“The financial support which Irwin Mitchell has secured has been huge help and really eased my financial worries while I have been unable to work. I’m now looking to the future and hope that gaining justice regarding the crash will help me to move forward with my life.”

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a road traffic accident, our serious injury solicitors team could help you claim compensation. Visit our Road Traffic Accident Compensation page for more information.