Long-term brain injuries

An Alnwick woman left with long-term brain injuries after she was hit by a bus while on a pedestrian crossing in Newcastle’s Haymarket is set for a significant compensation payout.

Judith Trundley, aged 66, suffered multiple injuries, including a fractured skull, when she was hit by the bus carrying 20 passengers just after midday on 4th March 2005.

She was left with a variety of cognitive deficits as a result of the collision and instructed Irwin Mitchell's John Davis, a specialist in cases involving serious injuries, who says a successful compensation claim was essential to help provide for Mrs Trundley's future care and quality of life.

Evidence including expert analysis of CCTV footage and witness statements was taken into account as the judgement was handed down at Newcastle County Court on February 12th by His Honour Judge Walton.

The judgement stated that, although Mrs Trundley could have taken more care as she crossed the road, the accident happened as a result of bus driver Mr Douglas Hayton's driving too quickly combined with his failure to keep a proper look-out.

The two parties were judged to be jointly responsible for the collision and the driver's employers, Arriva Northumbria Ltd, will now contribute towards the costs of Mrs Trundley's long-term care once they are calculated.

HHJ Walton said the bus driver was paying too much attention to traffic from the right in a bid to anticipate a forthcoming junction – he drove straight across the pedestrian crossing point, which was marked by amber warning lights for traffic, and hit Mrs Trundley as she crossed.

CCTV analysis revealed that had he been looking straight ahead then he would have spotted Mrs Trundley – who was wearing a bright red jacket – in time to stop.

John Davis, representing Mrs Trundley, said: "As with all compensation claims of this kind, the aim is purely to ensure that the injured person's needs are met. We are working now to calculate the cost of Mrs Trundley's long-term needs.

"The incident happened very quickly – within just four frames on the CCTV footage – but could have been avoided if more care was taken.

"Irwin Mitchell has a reputation for helping secure the proper care and treatment for scores of people who have had their lives changed forever by incidents like this on the roads. This is another case that really underlines the need for all road users to be aware of what is going on around them at all times."

If you or a loved one has suffered a physical or psychological injury due a road traffic accident involving a bus or coach, you may be able to claim compensation. Find out more information on our Bus & Coach Accident Compensation page.