A woman, who suffered nerve and soft tissue damage as a result of a road traffic accident, has secured £3,105 in compensation with the help of UNISON and Thompsons Solicitors.

The 64-year-old social worker from Somerset was driving on the B3128 outside of Bristol, when another driver suddenly drove into the rear of her car, propelling her forward into a vehicle in front.

Her car was severely damaged and as a result of the collision she suffered nerve and soft tissue injuries to the base of her spine. In the weeks that followed, the UNISON member found that her injuries affected her personal, social and work life as she was unable to exercise or lift, and she needed two weeks off work whilst she recovered.

She contacted UNISON who instructed personal injury specialists, Thompsons Solicitors, to investigate a claim of compensation on their member’s behalf.

Thompsons’ investigations found that the accident had been caused as a result of the other driver’s failure to pay sufficient attention to the road. The defendant driver admitted liability and compensation was secured.

The UNISON member said: “The crash happened very suddenly and was a shocking and frightening experience. My injuries made simple, everyday tasks like lifting difficult for me. The driver who crashed into me admitted that she had been concentrating on entering the stream of traffic on the road adjacent and hadn't been careful enough to avoid me, thus causing this unnecessary incident.

“UNISON and Thompsons Solicitors were great, they did everything they could to help me secure compensation, ensuring I was always kept up to date with the progress of my claim.”

UNISON Regional Secretary in the South-West, Joanne Kaye, said: “This was a frightening road accident that was caused by one driver’s failure to pay attention to the road.

“Her membership of UNISON ensured that she had access to specialist lawyers who were able to secure her 100% of her compensation.”

Joanne Atkinson at Thompsons Solicitors, said: “Unfortunately at Thompsons we see a lot of avoidable accidents like this one where a driver simply fails to pay attention to what is going on around them. A minute’s lapse in concentration can sadly lead to weeks of misery for the injured party.

“Our client has now thankfully fully recovered from her injuries, but that isn't always the case, and weeks can mean months, years or even life for some injured on our roads every year.”