Chris' life-changing injury: The split-second impact of a road incident

Motor vehicle accident

Chris was a young dad, working in his dream career as a dog handler and tactical officer. He enjoyed his work, being involved in his local community and was a committed father. In November 2020, Chris' life changed in an instant while transporting the dogs to a location for exercise training. It was our privilege to represent Chris and help ensure he received the compensation he was entitled to.

“I thought I was dead.”

Chris

It started as any ordinary day. Chris and his colleague were driving their work dogs in a two-car convoy on the Princes Highway near Geelong. A prime mover crossed over four lanes of traffic and hit Chris’ car head-on. The driver had suffered a suspected medical incident.

The impact was so powerful, that it ripped the engine block out of Chris' car. Chris has no memory of the accident or what happened immediately before it. His colleague who had witnessed the accident, immediately thought that Chris was dead.

Chris was rushed to hospital and underwent emergency surgery. His serious hand, head and abdominal injuries led to further, complex surgeries three months later.

The impact of serious traffic accident injuries on Chris' life

Miraculously and despite chronic pain, Chris was able to return to work six months after the accident, but it wasn’t smooth sailing.

“It just all basically hit me.”

Chris

Unbeknownst to Chris he would experience PTSD after the car accident, by suffering panic attacks and anxiety while driving. This meant that he could no longer continue working in his dream career and was forced to shift to a desk job. Not only was this a large adjustment physically, given the mobile nature of Chris' role, but psychologically as well.

How Shine Lawyers helped Chris

Around this time, a friend suggested Chris contact a lawyer to seek compensation for his injuries. Chris initially baulked at the idea, uneasy about the process. After hearing about Shine Lawyers’ reputation for standing alongside victims of road trauma, Chris contacted Shine.

Shine’s Special Counsel Ashleigh Kemp and her team at Shine’s Dandenong branch put Chris' concerns at ease. Chris' legal team consistently acted with integrity as they expertly navigated the TAC claim process on his behalf.

Pain and suffering compensation

After the team at Dandenong brought about a claim for Chris' injuries, they managed to secure a financial settlement for the pain and suffering caused by his serious traffic accident. This pain and suffering settlement example has enabled Chris and his young family to move forward to the next chapter of their lives. In addition, the traffic accident insurer admitted liability for Chris' injuries.

“To get that acknowledgement has been massive.”

Chris

Chris appreciated the integrity and commitment of Ashleigh and her team in Dandenong as they stood alongside him throughout the entirety of his legal claim.

You never thought you’d need a lawyer

Like Chris, you may never have thought you’d need a lawyer. If you or your loved one has been injured in a road accident, get in touch with Shine. Our dedicated motor vehicle accident team can help you to navigate your claim and secure the compensation you deserve.

Strict time limits can apply, so contact us to arrange an obligation-free chat with a member of our motor vehicle accident team.

Written by Shine Lawyers. .

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