Expert International Personal Injury Lawyers Secure Admission of Liability and Interim Payments To Enable Access To Rehabilitation

A British woman who was seriously injured when the car she was travelling in with her partner left an Austrian road and plunged down a ravine is continuing to make progress with rehabilitation after expert lawyers at Irwin Mitchell secured her interim payments and an admission of liability from the driver’s insurance company.

Julie Daurensan, 56, who is originally from Surrey but now lives in Nerac, south of Bordeaux, suffered compound fractures to her right leg, a fractured skull, nerve damage to her right hand and severe facial injuries in the crash in August 2015.

Her partner, John Buckingham, from Leamington Spa sadly died in the accident as the couple drove in a vintage car rally on the Nockalm Road towards Innerkrems.

As a result of her injuries, Julie has undergone a number of operations and lived in a rehabilitation facility in France until earlier this year. She remains in a wheelchair and will require further extensive surgery as a result of the injuries that she suffered in the crash.

Julie instructed expert international personal injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to represent her as she looked to secure funds that would enable her to access the rehabilitation and physiotherapy she requires to overcome her injuries.

The expert lawyers have been able to secure Julie interim payments from her former partner’s insurance company that have enabled her to focus on her recovery and access the treatment she requires to continue her recuperation.

Expert Opinion

“We have been working very closely with the driver’s insurance company to help Julie deal with the terrible injuries she suffered and to help her recovery as much as possible.

“Julie’s life has been turned upside down by this terrible accident, as not only did she lose her partner John, she suffered life-changing injuries and the prospect of further surgical procedures and being unlikely to return to her job as an estate agent and translator.

“This tragic accident illustrates the impact road collisions can have on those involved, not only in the immediate aftermath, but in the long-term.

"We will continue to work to secure Julie a settlement that will ensure she continues to access the treatments and rehabilitation she needs so she can continue with her incredible progress.” Christina Wolfe - Solicitor

Julie said: “My life has been shattered by the accident and I’m still struggling to come to terms with it. It is even more difficult given the physical pain I have been in since the accident and the series of surgical procedures I have had to go through to treat my injuries.

“I know I face further surgery down the line but thanks to my legal team I have been able to access the best possible rehabilitation and have been able to make a good recovery.

“I can only hope I continue to make a good recovery and that I’m able to access the help and support I need in the future.”

Find out more about the work of Irwin Mitchell's international personal injury teams here.