Motorist suffers serious injuries in motorway fast lane crash

She was travelling in the outside lane of a three-lane motorway when her vehicle collided with the rear of a car which had previously crashed into a stationary van.

Investigations revealed the van’s driver – who failed a drug test at the scene – had come to a complete stop on the carriageway. The second vehicle, which collided with him, is believed to have not displayed hazard lights, leaving other motorists unaware of the hazard ahead.

The van driver has been prosecuted for drug driving and the second vehicle driver charged with driving a mechanically propelled vehicle on a road/in a public place without due care and attention.

Following the impact of the collision, the woman’s car burst into flames. Her life was saved by a fellow passing motorist who pulled her from the burning vehicle.

While thankfully she survived, her injuries were extensive. She was placed into a coma, spending a significant amount of time in hospital, and now requires extensive rehabilitation to walk again after suffering two broken legs.

Additionally, also she sustained collapsed lungs, as well as damage to her stomach and bowels, which required emergency surgery. Several more rounds of surgery have since been necessary to aid her recovery.

The woman has also experienced significant psychological trauma as a result of what happened in the incident, which was took place in early 2024.

Early into her recovery, the woman she turned to Slater and Gordon for support in rebuilding her life. The law firm’s involvement has enabled her to access bespoke care and specialist rehabilitation services, which will support her ongoing recovery.

Gulderen Salih, senior associate and serious injury specialist at Slater and Gordon, says: “This was an absolutely horrific incident which our client could do nothing to avert – the trauma of being involved in such a collision in the fast lane of a motorway, and then being trapped in a car which has burst into flames, is unimaginable.

“Her road to recovery will be long but she is making great progress. We are really pleased to be supporting her with that, and to ensure that she can access the highest standards of rehabilitation which will meet her exact needs. While her injuries are extensive, we will ensure she has the best possible chance of recovery and will be by her side throughout that.”