Specialist support helped Jennifer regain her independence after a life-changing collision

Jennifer, 59, worked as a care and support personal assistant and enjoyed walking, gardening, painting and spending time in her studio. In January 2023, while travelling to work, she was involved in a serious road traffic collision and suddenly found herself relying on her family for everyday tasks.

It had started hailing, but Jennifer had seen the other driver travelling in the opposite direction. He was on his side of the road and there was a lane between them. The next thing she felt was an impact to the front of her car, which pushed her backwards and up a bank.

Both airbags deployed and the windscreen shattered. Jennifer was trapped inside the car and could not free her leg. Fire and ambulance crews attended and helped get her to hospital.

Jennifer sustained bruising, lacerations, fractures to her neck, back, ribs and sternum, and injuries to her teeth. She also suffered a comminuted fracture of her left tibia and fibula, which required revision surgery and an external fixator. She spent four weeks in hospital and was also psychologically affected by the collision.

After she returned home, Jennifer needed help from her family with personal care, attending appointments and everyday tasks. She was unable to return to work. The external fixator remained in place for 15 months, until April 2024, and she used crutches for almost two years.

Jennifer turned to Minster Law, a member firm of the Consumer Legal Association (CLA), for help. Candice Watson, an associate at the firm, took up her case while she was still in hospital and visited her at home after she was discharged.

Although liability remained under investigation, Minster Law worked with the other side to arrange an immediate needs assessment and jointly instruct an independent case manager. The case manager coordinated Jennifer’s rehabilitation and helped ensure that she did not have to organise her recovery alone.

Jennifer received intensive physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, psychological therapy and occupational therapy. Cleaning and gardening assistance were arranged, along with an account with a local taxi firm so that she could attend appointments while she was unable to drive. Minster Law also secured interim payments throughout the claim, helping Jennifer remain financially secure.

Following Candice’s visit, the case manager arranged private physiotherapy for Jennifer. She said this gave her the confidence to begin taking short walks outside, and the appointments continued for two years.

“I certainly wouldn’t be in the position I am now without it,” Jennifer said. “I now swim three times a week and go to strengthening classes locally.”

Jennifer remained determined to regain her independence. Two and a half years after the collision, she was able to start doing her own cleaning and gardening again. She also completed one of her favourite longer walks and returned to driving in 2025.

She is now happy driving locally, although she still prefers to take the train for longer journeys when visiting family. She continues to enjoy reading and spending time in her studio, as well as walking, gardening and painting.

Jennifer’s claim concluded with a substantial settlement in December 2024, providing financial security for her future and allowing her to focus on her recovery.

For Jennifer, claimant representation was about far more than compensation. It helped her access the rehabilitation and practical support she needed to regain her independence and rebuild her life.

“No one expects something so life-changing to happen to them,” she said. “I was lucky that I had the amazing support from Candice and Minster Law, and all those involved in my recovery.”