A woman who was knocked down by a police car at a pelican crossing five years ago has been awarded more than £3 million in damages.
Linda Donaldson, now aged 55, was knocked down by the speeding patrol car as she tried to cross the road in Newcastle. The police officer, who later admitted dangerous driving, was responding to a 999 call at the time. He was overtaking a line of stationary cars waiting at the pedestrian crossing. The police car had its lights flashing but the siren was off. The driver had moved over to the wrong side of the road and failed to slow down as he reached the crossing.
Mrs Donaldson's pelvis and collarbone were broken in the accident but the most serious damage was caused by a blood clot in her brain. She was in a coma for six months and at the time it was thought unlikely that she would survive.
As a result of the damage to her brain Mrs Donaldson requires constant care and is only able to say a few words.
Northumbria Police have already paid more than £1 million in compensation to Mrs Donaldson for her treatment and the building of a specially adapted bungalow. However, she needs a team of carers to provide 24-hour assistance and so a claim was pursued which has now been settled for at least £2 million.
The police officer involved in the accident was given a six-month suspended prison sentence, was banned from driving for four years and lost his job with Northumbria Police.
Statistics show that the number of people killed during police pursuits has risen dramatically. Last year there were 32 pedestrians killed in such circumstances, a 20 per cent increase in the last decade.
If you have been hurt in a road accident through no fault of your own, we can assist you in making a claim for compensation for your injuries.