County Durham support worker virtually housebound after head-on crash left her fighting for life

A County Durham support worker who helped vulnerable people says she has been left virtually housebound after a head-on crash left her fighting for her life.

Paula Wardle, from Shildon, suffered a traumatic brain injury and a ruptured spleen when a car travelling on the wrong side of the road struck her vehicle.

The 54-year-old underwent emergency surgery to remove her spleen, spent five days in intensive care and two weeks in hospital.

Following the crash which happened in Middridge Road, Newton Aycliffe on 4 April, the 54-year-old instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help her access the specialist rehabilitation and therapies she requires.

Paula is now using Road Safety Week to speak for the first time about the impact the collision has had on her life. She has joined her legal team in issuing a road safety warning.

Jessica Meadows, the specialist serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Paula, said: 

“Paula’s injuries have had a profound impact on almost every aspect of her life.

 

“Before the crash she was independent, active and working long hours supporting vulnerable people in the community. In an instant, all that changed.

 

“As well as her serious physical injuries, Paula is living with the psychological impact of what happened. Everyday activities she previously enjoyed have become difficult, and she faces a long recovery.

 

“Access to specialist rehabilitation is vital in helping seriously injured people maximise their recovery. We’re supporting Paula access the therapies she needs to help rebuild her confidence and work towards getting back to more of the life she once enjoyed.

 

“Paula’s experience is a stark reminder of the lasting consequences innocent road users can be left to face because of the reckless actions of others. We hope her story encourages drivers to take care every time they get behind the wheel.”

Paula was driving home from work when a black Skoda Octavia came into her lane and hit her bronze Peugeot 3008 head-on. The Skoda driver tested positive for being under the influence of drugs.

Before the crash, Paula worked long hours supporting vulnerable people and enjoyed driving and walking her dog. She now experiences flashbacks and anxiety and relies heavily on her family.

She’s currently undergoing physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and psychology and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy – a process that uses rapid eye movements to help the brain process trauma in the hope that Paula can regain the confidence to return to driving one day.

Paula said: ““That evening changed my life forever. I remember seeing a vehicle coming towards me on the wrong side of the road and desperately trying to avoid it, but there was nothing I could do.

“I don’t remember much after the collision, but I’ve since been told that I lost a huge amount of blood and that at one point my family didn’t know if I was going to survive. Even now, I struggle to get my head around just how close I came to losing my life.

“The physical injuries have been difficult to live with, but the emotional trauma has been just as hard. I have flashbacks and anxiety, and my confidence has been shattered. Before the crash, I loved my job, driving and getting out with my dog. Those were things I took for granted. Now, even leaving the house can feel daunting so I’m virtually housebound.

“There have been moments when recovery has felt overwhelming, but I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my family. I’ve had to rely on them more than I ever imagined, and I honestly don’t know how I would have coped without them. Having them by my side has given me the strength and determination to keep fighting and focus on rebuilding my life.

“I hope that by speaking out, others will think twice about the decisions they make behind the wheel. No family should have to face what mine has been through. If sharing my story prevents even one person from being seriously injured or saves a life, then it will have been worthwhile.”

The driver responsible for the crash admitted causing serious injury by reckless driving and was sentenced at Durham Crown Court on 4 September to 32 months' imprisonment. He was also disqualified from driving for 40 months.

Road Safety Week, organised by the charity Brake runs from 15-21 November.

Paula’s experience echoes findings from Irwin Mitchell’s The Recovery Gap research, which highlights the often long-lasting impact of road collisions on people’s independence, work and emotional wellbeing, as well as the importance of rehabilitation and support following serious injury.