Serious Injury Lawyers Secure Payment To Help Fund Specialist Support And Rehabilitation Pedestrian Injured In Collision Needs

A pedestrian has spoken of his battle to overcome a life-changing brain injury he suffered when he “was left for dead” in a hit and run.

Mads Vallestad was walking home after returning from a holiday to Italy when he was struck by a blue Ford Fiesta which had mounted the pavement in Rusper Road, Horsham.

The driver fled the scene. Mads was found unconscious on the pavement along with a rucksack he was carrying. His suitcase, which had been dragged by the car, was found 200 metres away. 

Mads, aged 30, suffered a traumatic brain injury and fractured skull. He spent six weeks in hospital, including around two weeks in an induced coma in intensive care.

The electronics engineer had to have part of his skull removed. 

Mads asks serious injury lawyers to help him access rehab

Following the crash, he instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access the specialist rehabilitation and support he requires. 

Mads, of Horsham, is now using Action for Brain Injury Week to speak of his determination to overcome his injuries the best he can and warn of the consequences of dangerous driving. 

Legal experts secure funds to help pay for Mads' ongoing care

It comes after his legal team at Irwin Mitchell secured Mads interim payments to help fund his ongoing rehabilitation.   

Laura Middleton-Guerard is the Partner and expert serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Mads. She is being assisted by serious injury solicitor, Rita Alsoof. 

Expert Opinion

“The incredibly serious injuries Mads suffered in the collision have had a profound effect on not only him, but also his family.

“He’s faced an incredibly difficult couple of years and while Mads has made great progress in his recovery through early access to rehabilitation, he still faces many challenges.

“His story is a stark reminder of how lives can be turned upside down in a split-second and the need for everyone to take care on the roads.

“We now join Mads in supporting Action for Brain Injury Week which is an incredibly important campaign in highlighting the help and support available. Nobody should be left to pick up the pieces of a brain injury alone.” Laura Middleton-Guerard

Brain injury: West Sussex man Mads Vallestad's story

Following the incident, which happened at around 9.30pm on 16 October, 2022, Mads was taken to hospital. 

His parents, Terje and Berit, aged 63 and 65, who were in Australia, flew back home to be by their son’s bedside.

Six days later Mads underwent surgery to release pressure on his brain and remove part of his skull.

He remained in an induced coma until 6 November. Mads was discharged from hospital on 27 November, 2022.

Mads was required to wear a helmet when standing or walking for more than a year to protect his skull. He was forced to give up karate, biking and golf during that time. 

He underwent further surgery to repair damage to his skull, including fitting a titanium plate, in January this year.

Mads still suffers from memory, speech and language issues and his brain function is still impaired.  

Before the collision Mads, had been saving to buy a house, but has had to delay this because his injuries. He is still unable to work full-time and is on a phased return. 

Mads reveals impact of injuries as he supports Action For Brain Injury Week 

Mads, who also suffered multiple facial fractures, a broken right collarbone and right big toe, said: “Although I feel lucky to be alive every aspect of my life changed that night. I was left for dead and I feel it’s only because of the actions of those who came to my aid and the emergency services and doctors that I survived. 

“I spent six weeks in hospital but that was just the start of it. Once home I continued to suffer with problems and went from being an independent and outgoing person to one reliant on my family. 

“I had to give up a lot of my hobbies until I had the titanium plate fitted and lost interest in going out and meeting my friends. I’ve had to delay buying a house due to the injuries and the need to work on my recovery.

“The trauma my brain suffered still affects me now. While I’m making progress in my recovery I still struggle with reading, my speech and remembering things. 

“I’ll always be upset and angry at what happened and how the driver left the scene. However, I want to focus on my recovery and my future. I know I still face many challenges, but I’m determined to do everything I can to reclaim more of my old life. The support I’ve had from my friends and family but also my rehab team has been amazing. I couldn’t have made the progress I have without them. 

“I just hope that by speaking out people who may be in a similar situation don’t feel they have to go through it alone. Help and support is available.”

Following the collision, Sussex police found fragments of the Fiesta at the scene. They recovered CCTV which showed the vehicle travelling on the wrong side of the road prior to the collision. The driver was traced. 

After previously pleading guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving, in April, the driver was jailed for three years and banned from driving for six-and-a-half years.

Brain injury support available

Action for Brain Injury Week, organised by Headway, runs from 20-26 May. This year’s theme is A Life Re-written and aims to highlight how easily life plans can be thrown into disarray following a brain injury. More information is on the charity's website.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people who have suffered a brain injury at work at our dedicated serious injury section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or all 0370 1500 100.