Injured riders recover compensation
This is a case study of a successful compensation claim that we made on behalf of two riders who were both injured in a pony accident on the road.
Mother and son were riding their ponies along a country road when a car tried to overtake them at speed. The car driver attempted to squeeze through a small gap between the ponies and the hedgerow. In doing so the driver scraped their car against the hedge and startled both of the ponies.
The son’s pony was extremely frightened and galloped forwards, causing him to fall backwards and underneath his mother’s pony. His mother’s pony performed a stag jump to avoid him, causing her to also fall and land on her back.
The police attended the scene of the accident, and the driver was later required to attend a Fitness to Drive Assessment.
Mother and son decided to pursue a civil claim against the driver for compensation for the injuries that each of them had suffered. We agreed to deal with their claims on a No Win, No fee basis.
Under the Highway Code riders are categorised as vulnerable road users and car drivers are required to take extra care when passing them.
The claims were submitted to the driver’s car insurers holding him legally responsible for the accident. Liability was quickly admitted by the insurance company.
Medical evidence was obtained which confirmed that the mother had suffered a spinal injury. As a result of those injuries, she required a period of time off work during which she needed care and assistance from her family.
An out of court settlement was agreed with the insurers and the mother received compensation totalling £17,500.
Her son’s injuries were fortunately less severe. He suffered pain and bruising to his hand and an out of court settlement was agreed at £3,000.
