Death By Dangerous Driving Admission Highlights Tragedy of Road Crash Claim
11/11/2009
Leading road accident solicitors Irwin Mitchell have claimed that the admission of a driver to causing death by dangerous or inconsiderate driving highlights the need for motorists to take more responsibility on the roads.
Stephen Doubleday pleaded guilty to the charge at Cromer Magistrates Court yesterday after causing the crash that led to Barbara Brennan, from Hainford, near Norwich suffering from injuries that were so severe that her leg had to be amputated. Her friend, Joyce Ferguson, who was travelling in the car at the same time, was tragically killed in the accident on the A1151 in Norfolk.
Mr Doubleday was attempting to overtake two cars on the A1151 near Beeston St. Lawrence when he collided head on with the Brennan’s vehicle, driven by Barbara’s husband Dennis Brennan, in May 2009. He was sentenced to 120 hours of community service, banned for 12 months and ordered to pay £85 costs for his part in the accident. Mrs Brennan is now seeking compensation for her injuries, rehabilitation and future care.
The accident left her with serious neurological damage, ultimately requiring a below knee amputation of her right leg. She also suffered multiple fractures to her left leg, as well as a number of minor injuries to her upper body.
Mr Brennan was also injured in the crash, suffering extensive internal and external bruising and damage to his ribs.
Mrs Brennan said: “This was a very tragic incident and has caused my family considerable stress. I suffered extremely serious injuries and our friend was killed as a result of Mr Doubleday’s actions. Our lives and the lives of Joyce’s family will never be the same again.
“I just hope this story highlights the need for care on the roads so that others don’t have to experience what we have gone through.”
Rachael Aram, the Brennan’s solicitor at Irwin Mitchell, said: “This is a deeply tragic case which would never have happened if Mr Doubleday had driven with the care and responsibility expected of road users.
“Mrs Brennan now requires help and support from others on a daily basis, and will also need a prosthetic leg and ongoing rehabilitation for her injuries, however no amount of money can ever make up for the tragedy and ordeal that they have been put through.
“Time and time again we see lives wrecked by people driving carelessly, without consideration for others. Hopefully this case will be a wake-up call for others who continue to put lives at risk and will persuade them to take responsibility for the health and lives of others.”
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