Web Designer Instructs Irwin Mitchell After Suffering Multiple Injuries Including Fractured Spine, Skull And Torn Aorta

A pedestrian ‘left for dead’ in a hit and run crash is appealing for help in tracing the driver responsible for inflicting his life-changing injuries.

Niraj Sudra suffered multiple injuries, including a torn aorta, fractured skull, spinal fractures, multiple leg, pelvis and elbow breaks when a white BMW ploughed into him as he stood at a traffic island.

Following the collision which happened in Green Lane, Ilford, East London, Niraj instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him receive the help he needs to overcome his injuries.

Niraj, 34, of Ilford, is now using Road Safety Week to speak for the first time about his fight to return to full health. He is also appealing for information to trace the driver responsible for the collision which happened at about 1.10am on Sunday, 13 November, 2016.

Natasha Fairs a specialist serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s London office is representing Niraj.

Expert Opinion

Despite extensive enquiries by the police, officers have so far been unable to trace the person responsible for the collision.

“We are supporting the police with their investigation and would appeal for anyone who may have information about the collision, or the moments before or after Niraj’s life was changed forever to come forward.

“It might only seem a small piece of information but that small detail could provide vital information in helping Niraj see the driver brought to justice. Justice that he deserves.

“Niraj faces a long road to recovery. We are working with him to help Niraj to obtain the treatment and therapies he needs to overcome his injuries." Natasha Fairs - Senior Associate Solicitor

Niraj had been out with family and friends. They were returning home when he was struck by a white BMW while standing on a traffic island ready to cross Green Lane.

The car momentarily stopped before speeding off towards Cobham Road.

Niraj, a self-employed web designer, who had also accepted an offer with a technology firm before the collision, was taken to the Royal London Hospital.

X-rays and scans showed he had suffered a fractured skull, minor spinal fractures, broken ribs, a broken right elbow, a double fractured pelvis, broken left femur, fibula, tibia and ankle as well as a torn aorta and collapsed lung. 

Niraj was in an induced coma for 10 days and underwent surgery to have his pelvis, leg and ankle pinned and plated. He also had a stent fitted in his aortic tear and spent more than a month in hospital.

Upon his release, Niraj had carers supplied by Redbridge Council after which he required increased care as he was bed bound and couldn’t move. He had assistance from his mum, who he lived with, and family and friends.

Niraj is unable to walk long distances because of his injuries – his left leg is now one centimetre longer than his right leg. He also has significant scarring on his body and face, suffers from back pain, is unable to straighten his right arm and cannot grip properly with his left or right arm due to nerve damage.

He is undergoing intensive physiotherapy sessions and is still heavily reliant on his mum, family and friends for assistance.

Niraj said: “Prior to the accident I was a very active and social person. I would run, play golf, play snooker and an active gym member. I had a very close group of friends and we spent most of our free time together. I would also do all the DIY, gardening, car washing or anything like that at home. 

“Now I’m a shadow of my former self. I don’t go out and socialise as much anymore, I am anxious all the time and in constant pain. My mother relied on me to drive her places and now she has to rely on family or public transport.

“The police have CCTV of the aftermath of the collision but not of me being hit.  I can’t remember the collision but I have been told that they stopped briefly before speeding off, leaving me for dead. It appears that the driver just didn’t seem to care that they had seriously injured someone.

“I am keen to start my rehabilitation. I have a long way to go in my recovery. The more assistance I can get the more likely it will be that I make improvements in my physical recovery and begin to improve my mental state. I see my friends progressing in their career, meeting people, starting relationships and having families. I can’t see that for myself at the moment.

“I would appeal to anyone who has any information about what happened that night to come forward and help the police investigation. I would also ask the driver to search their conscience, think about the consequences of their actions and contact the police and help end the suffering I’ve experienced since I was injured.”

Anyone with information about the collision should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling road traffic accident claims.