A teenager who suffered a head injury when she was hit by a car while correctly using a pelican crossing has received compensation after help from Unite Legal Services.

Jessica Braden, from Telford, now 19, was just 15 when she was hit by the car travelling at 40 miles an hour (in a 40mph zone) while she was crossing the road at Whitchurch Drive, Wellington.

The car’s driver had driven through a red light and hit Jessica when she was in the middle of the road.

The teenager, who was making her way home from school, suffered a fractured skull and a bleed on her brain. Her head injury left her with difficultly walking for three months and has difficultly with concentration and irritability. She also suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Following the accident she needed intensive physiotherapy and counselling. She had to repeat Year 11 at school, but through her hard work and determination she successfully gained her GCSE qualifications only a year later than planned.

She is now studying A-Levels and hopes to gain entry to university to study Midwifery.

Instructed Thompsons Solicitors to investigate a claim for compensation

Following the accident her father contacted his trade union, Unite, which instructed Thompsons Solicitors to investigate a claim for compensation.

The driver of the car was convicted of driving without due care and attention and her insurers settled Jessica’s claim out of court.

Gerard Coyne from Unite the Union said: “We are pleased we have been able to support this member’s family in what has been a distressing time. A teenager making her way home from school had every right to expect that she was safe to cross the road using the pelican crossing however the actions of a reckless driver left her dealing with a head injury that has a knock-on effect on the rest of her life.

“This is a success for Unite Legal Services and all our members should take some comfort from knowing that our legal services are at hand to act for members and their families.”

Thompsons Solicitors said: “Jessica has been extremely determined. It is to her credit that she has successfully gained her GCSEs and is now sitting her A-levels with plans to fulfil her ambition by qualifying as a midwife. We wish her all the luck with her future and hope this compensation provides her with any help she needs along the way due to her injuries.”