Parents Appeal For Information Over Crash In Which Seven-Year-Old Suffered Multiple Leg Fractures, Degloving Injury And Fractured Skull

The parents of a girl seriously hurt in a collision involving a lorry have revealed the significant injuries and life-changing impact the crash has had on their daughter.

Gracie Atkinson suffered serious injuries, including multiple leg breaks, with significant skin and muscle loss, and a fractured skull in the incident which happened outside Knop Law Primary School in Chapel House, Newcastle. 

The seven-year-old had been picked up and was making her way home from Knop Law Primary School when she was involved in a collision with a white DAF tipper truck. 

Gracie was taken to hospital. She underwent multiple operations to pin her legs as well as to carry out skin grafts. She spent 11 weeks in hospital. 

Gracie is still recovering from the collision. The skin on her legs is extremely sensitive and she requires ongoing procedures as well as further surgery in the future. Gracie now walks with a limp as her left ankle is immobile and requires a wheelchair for longer journeys. She is also conscious of the appearance of her legs. 

Newcastle family asks serious injury lawyers for help

Her parents instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate and help their daughter access the specialist rehabilitation and therapies Gracie requires to make the best recovery she can. 

As well as thanking those who have helped Gracie following the crash, the family are now appealing for witnesses or those with any footage of the incident or its aftermath, including dash cam or helmet cam footage, to come forward. 

Expert Opinion

“The last few months and coming to terms with devastating and life-changing injuries Gracie suffered have been incredibly hard for not only her but her parents.

“While the emergency services and hospital staff have done a fantastic job in helping Gracie she still faces an uncertain future and many challenges.

“Therefore we’re appealing for anyone who may have more information or footage of the collision, the moments leading up to it or its aftermath, to get in touch. Any detail could be key in helping us secure the ongoing rehabilitation and support Gracie requires to overcome her injuries the best she can and live as independently as possible in the future.” Laura Mcilduff - Senior Associate Solicitor & Newcastle Office Early Careers Regional Representative

Serious injury: Gracie Atkinson's story

Gracie had just left school when the collision happened at about 3pm on Monday, 20 September, 2021, in Chadderton Drive near the junction with Hillhead Parkway, Westerhope, Newcastle. 

Police launched an investigation but said the driver involved in the collision had no case to answer. 

Family reveal impact of schoolgirl's injuries

Gracie’s dad said: “When I got the call to say Gracie had been hurt my world was turned upside down. It’s no call any parent wants to receive and it’s something that will stay with me forever. 

“Seeing Gracie and her injuries broke my heart. She went from a happy, smiling child who enjoyed playing with her friends to one who spent months in hospital undergoing surgery after surgery. 

“Even though she’s now home and back at school, things aren’t back to normal and may never be. Gracie continues to have regular appointments to review her progress and monitor her scarring and we have been advised that she will require further surgeries. Gracie’s injuries will have a lifelong impact on her. 

“We’re so proud of the fight Gracie shows every day but her injuries have really affected her and we’re not sure what impact they will have on her as she grows.

“We would like to thank all of the emergency services and the doctors and nurses for everything they’ve done to help Gracie. We’ll be forever indebted to them. We also can’t thank enough all of those who have sent kind words and messages of support to Gracie following the collision. It means so much to her and us.

“We’re just an ordinary family who do ordinary things. However, what this incident has shown is that anyone’s life can be changed in a split-second. 

“All we want to do is what any parent wants for their child and that’s to provide them with the best life possible. To be able to do that Gracie needs to be able to access the specialist ongoing care and support she needs. 

“Therefore we’d be so grateful if anyone had any information about the crash which will allow Gracie to receive that help.”

How witnesses can help Gracie

Anyone with information should contact Laura Mcilduff at Irwin Mitchell on 0191 2790112 or at laura.mcilduff@irwinmitchell.com

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