Mum Who Was Training For Half-Marathon Reveals Battle To Overcome Injuries

A runner has spoken for the first time about her battle to recover from serious injuries she suffered in a hit and run collision.

Victoria Fuller suffered a catalogue of injuries including multiple leg fractures, a broken elbow and a ‘degloving injury’ which saw skin and flesh ripped from her leg when she was knocked down while out training for a half-marathon with friends from her running club.

The mum-of-one was airlifted to hospital and required hours of surgery to insert pins into her broken leg as well as skin grafts which have left her with a large T-shaped scar across her back.

Following the incident in Langport, the 45-year-old instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the collision and help her access the specialist rehabilitation she requires.

Victoria, of Bridgwater, has now joined her legal team at Irwin Mitchell in supporting Road Safety Week by urging motorists to ensure they pay attention on the roads at all times. 

It comes after the driver’s insurance company admitted liability for the crash. Irwin Mitchell has secured interim payments to enable Victoria to access the therapy and rehabilitation she needs in order to maximise her recovery.

Expert Opinion

“This is a truly awful case which highlights the shocking consequences that innocent road users can face when drivers are not paying attention.

“While Victoria has made great progress in her recovery, her extremely serious injuries continue to have a huge impact on her and her family and she still faces many challenges.

“We are continuing to support Victoria to help her make the best possible recovery she can. We join her in calling on drivers to take care on the roads at all times.” Georgina Moorhead - Associate Solicitor

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling serious injury cases 

Victoria, who is married with a young son, was jogging with her running group at around 7.15pm on 29 January, 2018, when a car collided with her.

All of the members of her running group were jogging in single-file and wearing reflective clothing, bands and headlights.

The car was travelling in the opposite direction when the incident occurred on the Picts Hill, just off the B3153. It drove off despite being pursued by another driver.

Victoria suffered multiple fractures to her left tibia and fibula, ‘degloving’ of her lower left leg, a fractured left elbow and a deep cut to her left thigh.

Following the collision she was airlifted to Southmead Hospital in Bristol where she spent three-and-a-half weeks.

Since then she has attended regular appointments. It is still not known how fully her leg will recover and if she will require further surgery.

Victoria has also been forced to give up her busy job as a kitchen assistant in a care home, and after a year off work recovering, she now has a ‘sit down job’ as a part- time sewing machinist.

Victoria said: “Before the crash I was feeling very positive. I was running 10 miles two or three times a week and was and looking forward to challenging myself with the half-marathon. However all that changed in a second.

“I remember seeing the car then all of a sudden it hit me and dragged me along the road for a bit. It drove off with the driver not having a clue if I was dead or not.

“Since then life has been a struggle. It’s not just the physical injuries. I have bad dreams and suffered other psychological issues for weeks after the crash. I could remember every detail of what happened.

“While I am so grateful to the amazing surgeons for saving my leg, the crash has completely changed my life. I am now a lot more reliant on my family and feel I have lost some of my independence.

“The donor areas where skin was taken from to repair my leg have left me with a permanent and distressing reminder of what I have been through.

“As a result I feel I can no longer wear shorts or strappy tops and can no longer swim.

“I would like to thank everyone for the care and support they have shown me. I am determined to continue my recovery and one day I hope I may be able to run again.

“I just hope that by speaking out about it will encourage road users to always make safety a priority.”

The driver of the car pleaded guilty to offences of careless driving, fleeing the scene of an accident and driving other than in accordance with a licence. She pleaded guilty to these charges at Taunton Crown Court.

Road Safety Week runs from 18-24 November and is organised by Brake. One of this year’s themes is aimed at helping people use roads safely to lead healthy lifestyles.