At Oliver & Co Solicitors, we recently helped a young client recover more than £6,500 in compensation after he was injured in a road traffic accident while travelling as a front-seat passenger.
Because he was under the age of 18 when the collision happened, the claim had to be handled slightly differently from a standard personal injury claim. Throughout the process, we worked closely with his family to ensure he received the medical treatment and support he needed while pursuing compensation.
The Road Traffic Accident
Our client was travelling as a passenger in a stationary vehicle when it was struck from behind by another car.
Although liability for the collision was admitted by the other driver’s insurers at an early stage, it was important to fully understand the extent of our client’s injuries before discussing settlement.
The Injuries Sustained
The collision caused our client to suffer:
- Soft tissue injuries to his neck and back
- Travel-related anxiety following the accident
While the physical injuries were expected to improve with time, the accident also affected his confidence when travelling, making the psychological impact an important part of the claim.
Making a Claim on Behalf of a Child
As our client was under 18 at the time of the accident, he could not deal with the legal claim himself.
Instead, the claim was brought on his behalf by a Litigation Friend. In most child injury claims, this is a parent or another trusted adult who makes decisions in the child’s best interests throughout the legal process.
In this case, our client’s mother acted as his Litigation Friend, working closely with our solicitors while we managed the claim.
Obtaining the Right Medical Evidence
To ensure the claim reflected the full extent of the injuries, we arranged for our client to be examined by an independent medical expert.
Following the initial assessment, further reports were recommended from both an orthopaedic surgeon and a psychologist. These specialists assessed our client’s physical injuries, psychological symptoms and expected recovery, providing important evidence to support the value of the claim.
Obtaining expert medical evidence meant we could properly assess not only how the accident had affected our client, but also the treatment he would need during his recovery.
Securing Early Treatment
The medical experts recommended a course of physiotherapy.
Rather than waiting until the claim had concluded, we successfully negotiated an interim payment from the defendant’s insurers so that private treatment could begin straight away.
This enabled our client to receive physiotherapy at a local Nuffield Hospital at times that fitted around his education and extracurricular activities, helping to support his recovery without unnecessary delays.
The Outcome
By the time the claim was ready to settle, our client had reached the age of 18 and was able to conclude the matter in his own name.
Following negotiations with the insurer, we secured more than £6,500 in compensation, reflecting both the physical injuries he sustained and the psychological impact the road traffic accident had on his daily life.
Has Your Child Been Injured in a Road Traffic Accident?
If your child has been injured in a road traffic accident that was not their fault, you may be able to make a child personal injury claim on their behalf.
At Oliver & Co Solicitors, our experienced personal injury solicitors understand that making a claim after your child has been injured can feel overwhelming. We will explain the process clearly, arrange any medical evidence that is needed and guide your family through every stage of the claim with sensitivity and practical advice.
To speak to one of our specialist personal injury solicitors, contact Oliver & Co Solicitors today on 01244 312306 or email law@oliverandco.co.uk for a free, no-obligation discussion about your circumstances.
