A student who suffered life-changing, catastrophic injuries when a drink-driver crashed into a bus shelter he was waiting at says his future is now uncertain.
He was 24 when he woke up in hospital with serious injuries after almost a week in a coma
The man suffered a fractured skull, a bleed on the brain, facial fractures, spinal fractures in his lower back, a broken leg and internal injuries. He subsequently had to undergo multiple surgeries while in hospital and may require further surgery in the months ahead.
The driver of the car, 43-year-old Emma Roberts, was found to be three times over the alcohol limit and reached 74mph in a 30mph zone seconds before the crash.
At Lewes Crown Court in October 2024 Roberts was sentenced to two years and four months in prison for causing serious injures by dangerous driving and disqualified from driving for three years and two months.
‘It took away an entire year from me’
The accident happened in Brighton in 2023, and the student continues to rebuild his life.
It took away an entire year from me, and I am waiting to understand how it will continue to affect me.
The impact extended to my family as well, my mother had to travel, initially on her own, to look after me. It has been a difficult time for us from all aspects, mentally, emotionally, financially, and physically.
The student, who is being represented by Hudgell Solicitors in his serious injury compensation claim, is currently waiting to be examined by a Neuropsychologist to assess the effects of brain damage that was caused by the crash.
I’ve had to give up my hobbies of playing sports, and running, while I wait to find out what cognitive changes I have undergone. Drink-driving has taken away parts of my life.
The driver of the car is now in prison – it shows it also affects their loved ones too.
Rehabilitation Funding
While in the intensive care unit, relatives of the student contacted Hudgell Solicitors for legal advice, and he was visited by serious injury specialist Samuel McFadyen.
Mr McFadyen, who represents clients who have experienced catastrophic injuries immediately secured an agreement to fund rehabilitation to promote and ensure the best possible prospects of recovery and return to independent living. In addition, interim payments have been agreed upon and released to help with any financial needs.
We are determined this young man rebuilds his life with the help and support of his loved ones and a dedicated team of specialists who, thanks to a personal injury legal claim, have been at his side to help.
His life was changed in a moment by a drunk driver through no fault of his own as he waited innocently at a bus stop.
A team has been assembled to provide a comprehensive rehabilitation programme, led by a dedicated specialist Case Manager, who has placed a focus on ensuring support is continually adapted to meet his needs as they change throughout his recovery.
We continue to support him as he tries his best to get his life back on track and while he continues his studies.
‘We are pleased a dangerous driver has been taken off our roads’
Speaking after the driver Emma Roberts was sentenced, Sussex Police investigating officer Jade Smith from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said:
This again demonstrates the dangers of drink-driving.
Roberts was incredibly fortunate that her reckless behaviour did not cause a fatality that night.
She risked her own safety as well as the safety of the public.
So, we are pleased that a dangerous driver has been taken off our roads. We are determined to catch dangerous drivers, and this case should act as a warning to others about the dangers of drink driving and driving at excessive speed.
Rehabilitation Support
We know the main priority for everyone who suffers an injury is to get their lives back on track as quickly as possible.
With this in mind, we are proud to have been nationally recognised for our rehabilitation services, tailoring our support according to the severity of your injury.
Our specialist claims solicitors pay close attention not only to your clinical needs, but also to the impact on your family, your ability to work and earn and to enjoy your hobbies.
Read more: Experts in Rehabilitation Support
