Highlights:
- 24-year-old woman injured while riding as a passenger.
- The driver, her partner, was driving unlicenced at the time of the accident.
- Although the Initial TAC offer was rejected, a larger settlement was achieved.
Summary:
Carbone Lawyers achieved a significant payout for a woman injured when the car her partner was driving hit another vehicle.
Case Details:
In early 2019, a 24-year-old woman was riding as a passenger in a car driven by her partner. As they approached an intersection, another vehicle failed to give way and drove out in front of them. They hit side-on.
The woman suffered 28 separate injuries. In addition to the physical trauma, there was psychological and cognitive damage likely to last the rest of her life.
Eighteen months after the accident and while still recovering, the woman asked Carbone Lawyers for help with a TAC claim.
Reports from an orthopedic surgeon, neuropsychologist, psychiatrist, neurologist and occupational physician were presented, verifying the extent of the woman’s injuries.
As her partner was unlicenced at the time of the accident, it was suggested that she somehow contributed to her injuries by getting into a car with an unlicenced driver. The initial offer from the TAC reflected this view. Carbone Lawyers rejected this and issued Court proceedings.
However, within two months, a resolution was successfully negotiated, and the woman received an increased settlement amount.
Outcome:
Carbone Lawyers achieved a settlement of $850,000 for pain and suffering and future loss of earnings. It took just 21 months from lodgement to resolution. Claims of this nature and this amount can often take up to four years to settle.