Liverpool Woman Left With Spinal Fractures Following November Collision

A woman who suffered multiple serious injuries including spinal fractures in a collision on the Formby bypass is speaking out to promote road safety on the first anniversary of the crash.

NHS administrator Susan Bleasdale, 60, from Liverpool, was a passenger in the backseat of her friend’s red Suzuki Alto on November 18th 2017 when it was struck from behind by a silver Vauxhall Corsa which had been seen driving erratically just moments earlier. 

She was taken to the major trauma unit at Aintree Hospital following the incident, where it was confirmed she had suffered spinal injuries, fractures to her ribs and left wrist amongst other injuries. Almost a year on, she continues to suffer with pain, psychological symptoms and other issues related to the crash.

Daniel Boyd, the driver of the other vehicle, was arrested following the crash. Boyd, 23 of Whitfield Lane in Heswall, was jailed for three years for causing serious injury through dangerous driving and was disqualified from driving for four-and-a-half years.

Following the incident, Susan instructed specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the crash and secure financial support to assist with her rehabilitation. While the legal team’s work to help her gain justice is ongoing, they have secured interim funds from the insurer of the driver of the Corsa to support Susan’s recovery.

Ashwini Kamath, the serious injury expert from Irwin Mitchell’s Manchester office who is representing Susan, said: 

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“This is a truly shocking incident in which our client has suffered very serious injuries as a result of a collision which simply should never have happened.

“The crash has gone on to have a major effect on her life over the past year, leaving her reliant on friends and family for support and requiring long-term treatment for her recovery and rehabilitation.

“It is so important to get the message out there about road safety. With the clocks having recently gone back, and with the longer nights, it is crucial drivers pay extra attention when on the road to ensure the safety of themselves, and other road users.” Ashwini Kamath - Solicitor

Susan had been out with friends when the vehicle she was in travelled down the Formby bypass towards Liverpool.

She recalled: “I was in the back of the car and startled when my friend beeped her horn at another vehicle – that’s when I noticed the Corsa driving erratically and weaving between lanes. Other cars were starting to slow down to avoid it, so I started to call 999. My last memory of the crash was beginning to talk to the operator.”

Four cars in total were damaged in the crash and Susan was kept in hospital for nine days. She also had to wear a neck and body brace and was left with limited mobility.

She added: “I have always been very independent, so being reliant on my family – especially my daughter Nicola – was very hard. It has been a very difficult few months and I am just desperate to get my life back.

“While I have now been able to return to work, I’m still struggling with psychological symptoms, pain and fatigue. I am also restricted in the amount of driving I can do, which has greatly limited my independence.

With Road Safety Week taking place during November, beginning on the 19th, Susan has spoken of her desire for her experience to serve as a warning to others.

Susan said: “I also hope that by speaking out on my experiences on the first anniversary of the crash, they will highlight the need for drivers and other road users to always put safety first. There is nothing more important than that.”

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