Serious Injury Lawyers Secure Settlement To Fund Rehabilitation

A police staff employee has spoken of her determination to overcome serious injuries after suffering a fractured spine when her car was hit on the M5. 

Marie Cooke-Williams was a front seat passenger in a Peugeot 107 being driven by her husband Anthony when another vehicle aquaplaned into it near junction one in the West Midlands. 

The couple’s car spun off the carriageway and down the embankment. Following the collision, which happened near to where the M5 becomes the M6, Marie, of Oldbury, was trapped in the wreckage for an hour before being cut free by emergency services. 

The 36-year-old underwent spinal surgery and was in hospital for 11 days. She was unable to return to her job as a police staff employee for six months. 

Anthony, 37, and his mum, Angela, 60, were also injured in the crash which happened when they were travelling to the cinema in Wolverhampton.

Family ask serious injury lawyers for help after M5 crash

Following the collision the trio instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help them access the specialist rehabilitation and therapies they require.  Their legal team secured undisclosed settlements from the insurers for the other driver. 

Marie has now joined her legal team at Irwin Mitchell in supporting Road Safety Week. She has also thanked emergency services who came to her rescue. 

Expert Opinion

“The physical and psychological injuries Marie suffered in the collision have had a profound impact on her life.

“While Marie has made great progress in her recovery through access to rehabilitation, she still faces many challenges.

“Road Safety Week is an important reminder of the vital work our emergency services carry out. However, it’s also vital that people are aware of the consequences people can be left to face because of the actions of other road users.

“We join Marie in urging all road users to take care at all times to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured.” Louise Binks - Associate Solicitor

Serious injury: Marie Cooke-Williams' story

Marie, Anthony and Angela were in the middle lane of the M5 when the collision happened at around 11am on 2 November, 2019. It had been raining earlier in the morning. 

Marie said: “We were travelling in the middle lane approaching the M6 when out of the corner of my eye I suddenly saw a car. There was not time to react or do anything before the right side of our car was hit, sending us spinning. The car felt like it was spinning for a long time before coming to rest in a ditch. 

“The next thing I remember was emergency crews shouting down at us and coming down the embankment. All I then remember was being trapped and surrounded by fire crews and paramedics as they cut off the roof. It was terrifying.”

Marie was taken to Sandwell Hospital where she was diagnosed with a fracture and dislocation of her upper spine. She was transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for surgery. 

Woman seriously hurt in crash backs road safety campaign

She added: “Leaving hospital was just the start of my battle to regain my health. While I was home I couldn’t look after myself and was reliant on my family for everything. 

“Coming to terms with what happened and how life had suddenly changed was very difficult at first.  However, I became determined to focus on my recovery and get back to things I enjoy. I love my job and getting back to work after six months was a major boost for me.

“I can’t thank everyone enough for all they’ve done to help and support me. While it’s been a difficult couple of years I want to try and focus on the future. 
“However, by sharing my story I hope people are reminded of why it’s so important to take care on the roads.”  

Find out more about our expertise in helping people following road collision at our dedicated serious injury section. Alternatively to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.

Road Safety Week runs from 15-21 November and is organised by the charity Brake. This year’s theme is Road Safety Heroes and aims to celebrate those who work to improve road safety.