Expert Lawyers Instructed Following Death Of 65-Year-Old Who Was Carer For Husband

The devastated family of a pedestrian who died when a car mounted the pavement hitting her and a friend are issuing a road safety warning after the driver was sentenced.

Elaine Harper and her neighbour Gloria Spriggs, from Feltham, were walking their dogs on the footpath along Green Lane, Feltham, West London, when they were struck from behind by a Grey Fiat 500, driven by Mrs Mandeep Kaur Gahbri.

Dog walker dies and friend in hospital for more than two weeks following collision in West London

The pair were taken to hospital by ambulance. Elaine was found to have sustained a traumatic brain injury. She died two days later, aged 65.

Gloria, aged 85, suffered a brain injury, as well as fractures, cuts and bleeding.  She remained in hospital for two-and-a-half weeks before being discharged home to the care of her family.

Road traffic accident lawyers instructed ahead of driver sentencing

Following the incident, Elaine’s family and Gloria instructed expert road traffic accident lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate what happened and help them access the ongoing support they require.

At a hearing on 12 December at Isleworth Crown Court, Mrs Gahbri was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment for causing death by careless driving and three months imprisonment for causing serious injury by careless driving, after taking into account credit for early guilty pleas.

The sentences are to be served concurrently, suspended for 18 months. Mrs Gahbri was also disqualified from driving for the same period.

Mrs Gahbri’s legal team claimed that she lost control of her vehicle due to a momentary lapse of concentration.  No extended driving test was ordered.

Expert Opinion

“The past 18 months have been incredibly tough for Elaine’s family as they try to come to terms with losing her so suddenly and tragically.

“Meanwhile, Gloria has understandably struggled with the death of her friend and also her own injuries which continue to affect her physically and psychologically.

“Nothing will ever make up for what’s happened, but we hope that this incident acts as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences families can be left to face and for the need to stay safe on the roads.

“We continue to support Elaine’s loved ones at this distressing time while helping Gloria access the rehabilitation and therapies she needs to maximise her recovery.” Angela Batchelor, Serious Injury lawyer

Road safety: Elaine's story

The crash happened just after 1.30pm on 28 June 2022, when Elaine and Gloria were walking their dogs towards Hampton Common.

Elaine, who was a carer for her husband Stephen, 70, died on 30 June as a result of her injuries.  She was mum to son Anthony, 37, daughter Katie, 41, and a grandmother of four.

Katie said: “To this day, I still can’t believe mum’s gone.  It’s really difficult to accept that she went out for a walk with her friend and never returned home.

“She enriched the lives of everyone around her and loved nothing more than spending time with her family and dog Harry.  Mum was also dad’s main carer and he’s completely lost without her; it’s awful to see him struggle.

“Our hearts are broken, and we would give anything to have mum back, but we know that’s not possible.  All we can hope for now is that her death wasn’t in vain, and our story will encourage drivers to take care at all times. Our lives were shattered in a second and we wouldn’t want it to happen to others.”

Gloria's story

Gloria was discharged from hospital on 15 July.  She was subsequently diagnosed with vertigo and suffers from ongoing issues linked to her brain injury including poor memory, reduced attention and dizziness. Her physical injuries continue to cause her difficulties with day-to- day activities.

She said: “The day of the crash still haunts me, and I keep hoping that it’s all a terrible nightmare that I’ll wake from.

“Sadly, I know that’s not the case and that Elaine is no longer here.  It’s been a massive struggle to come to terms with both my injuries and also losing my friend.  I think about what happened every single day and I’m devastated for her family.

“I know I’m lucky to be alive and I’ve had amazing support from everyone; I just wish Elaine was still with us.  She was the kindest person I knew, and the world was a much better place with her in it.

“Nothing will ever change the trauma we’ve all been through, but I hope by speaking out it will make others realise how dangerous the roads can be if you’re not careful.”

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling road traffic accident cases