Pedestrian And Legal Team Supporting National Road Safety Campaign

A Gloucestershire woman seriously injured when she was hit by a car on a bridge is supporting a national road safety campaign after lawyers secured her a settlement to help with her recovery.

Nadine Wood, 49, from Lechlade, was standing on the pavement of a bridge near to her house with friends when she was struck by an Audi after it was driven through a red traffic light and collided with another car travelling in the opposite direction.

Nadine was taken to hospital and diagnosed with a catalogue of injuries including fractures to her spine and pelvis, and life-threatening blood clots on her lungs.  She remained in hospital for 16 days.

Following the crash in May 2020, Nadine instructed serious injury experts at Irwin Mitchell to investigate. She is now joining with her legal team in supporting Road Safety Week.  It comes after her lawyers secured a six-figure sum from the insurers of the Audi driver, which will ensure she has access to the ongoing rehabilitation and therapies she requires as part of her recovery.

Expert Opinion

“The last two-and-a-half years have been extremely difficult for Nadine. She sustained serious injuries through no fault of her own which have had, and continue to have, a significant impact on her daily life.

While nothing can make up for the physical and emotional pain Nadine has suffered, we’re pleased to have been able to secure this settlement which will allow her to continue to access the ongoing specialist rehabilitation she needs to support and mitigate the impact of her injuries as best possible.

Through our work, we sadly see too many people left facing the consequences of the actions of other road users. It’s vital that people take care on the roads at all times, and Road Safety Week is an opportunity to highlight this.

We’ll continue to support Nadine as she moves forward with her recovery.”
Declan French, Serious Injury Lawyer

The incident took place on the Halfpenny Bridge, Lechlade, where Nadine was waiting alongside a group of friends to see the SpaceX satellite pass overhead.  As a result of her injuries, she has continued to suffer both physically and psychologically.

Nadine fully returned to her job as a lecturer for the Ministry of Defence in January 2022 after completing a phased return. Nadine continues to work with her physiotherapist to manage and support her physical injuries. Further physical and psychological rehabilitation has been recommended to support and maintain her recovery.

Nadine said: “It’s been more than two years since the crash, but I can still remember it like it was yesterday.  One minute I was standing on the bridge and the next I was pinned up against it, screaming, after being crushed by a car. Friends managed to push the car away from me when I then fell to the ground. The pain was excruciating.

“I’m still significantly affected by injuries and feel the consequences of them every day. I haven’t been able to return to running with my local club and have been told the pain and physical difficulties I have been left with are unlikely to improve any further.

I’ve finally been able to return to work, but it’s still a struggle sometimes.  I’m so grateful to have amazing support from my friends and loved ones, and it’s such a relief that I can now begin to look forwards.

“I really wouldn’t wish what I’ve been through on anyone, and Road Safety Week is a good way of reminding drivers to stay safe on the roads. It only takes one moment or decision to change someone’s life forever.”

A roadside breath test found the driver of the Audi to be almost four times over the legal limit.

The driver subsequently pleaded guilty to two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. They were given a custodial sentence for two and a half years and banned from driving for three and a half years following any release from custody.

Gloucestershire Constabulary subsequently released dashcam footage of the collision, with permission from the victims, to highlight the consequences of the driver’s actions on those who were in the area at the time.

Road Safety Week, organised by the charity Brake, runs from 14-20 November. This year’s theme is Safer Roads for All. Find out more 

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