Six-figure settlement for truck crash victim

• General News
• 29th June 2016

A 49 old truck driver from Byford has received a six-figure settlement for his motor vehicle accident claim after his truck rolled when he was hit by a driver who failed to give way in an intersection.

TWU member Ray Townley’s motor vehicle accident team at Slater and Gordon – including law clerk Lisa Rowe and senior lawyer Tony O’Hurley – represented Ray in his ICWA damages claim after the Spearwood crash in 2012.

Law clerk, Lisa Rowe said Ray was driving a van through an intersection when another driver, also travelling through the intersection, failed to give way to Ray.

“The driver who hit Ray was 100% at fault when they drove straight into Ray’s van, causing the van to roll and come to a stop on the kerb in the opposite direction he was travelling,” she said.

“He suffered cervical spine injuries and damage to his right shoulder, arm and hand; and has undergone a series of x-rays, MRIs, CT scans, cortisone injections and acupuncture; along with treatment by GPs, an orthopaedic surgeon and a neurologist.

“The incident also left him with depression and anxiety as he comes to terms with his impairments. He now suffers ongoing pain and restricted movement in his arm and neck, plus dizzy spells, headaches and disturbed sleep.”

The six figure lump sum settlement includes an amount for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life, past and future loss of earning capacity and future treatment expenses, including an allowance for past and future travel.

Ray has been in the trucking industry for over 30 years, but his limited strength and movement will mean driving large trucks – including chaining, tying down loads and so on – will now pose difficulties for him.

The settlement will offer an opportunity for him to support himself while he continues his recovery and seeks a new role for work.

If you have a query about your legal rights following a motor vehicle accident, contact your union representative for a referral to Slater and Gordon.