Road accidents happen in the blink of an eye and it is often far from easy to discern where responsibility for them lies. However, such difficulties did not prevent a young man in his 30s who was seriously injured when he was knocked down by a bus from securing a seven-figure sum in compensation.
The man's injuries have left him incapable of managing his own affairs and in lifelong need of care. In its defence of a personal injury claim launched on his behalf, the operator of the bus claimed that its driver had not been at fault and that the man was entirely to blame for the accident.
Following negotiations, however, the operator agreed to a £3.3 million settlement of the case, that sum representing 40 per cent of the full £8.25 million value of the man's claim. In approving the compromise, the court found that it was wholly appropriate and very much in his best interests.