Couple reflects on Christmas Day crash that left them severely injured

While most people prepare to celebrate the festive period, this time of year brings mixed emotions for one Kent couple as it marks the anniversary of the car accident that left them with severe injuries. Mr and Mrs Walter were travelling home from a relative’s house on Christmas Day when they were hit by an oncoming vehicle.

Sixty-five-year-old Mr Walter, who was driving the vehicle, suffered a fractured sternum, four broken ribs, fractures of the right ankle and foot and damage to tendons in one of his fingers. Front seat passenger, Mrs Walter, suffered a fractured lower spine, fractured shoulder, lacerations to her head and muscular injuries to her neck and knees. The couple also suffered psychological injuries.

As a result of the accident, Mr Walter has only been able to return to his job in the music shop he owns in Maidstone on limited hours. And, due to his psychological injuries, he is no longer able to travel to teach guitar lessons. Forty-six-year-old Mrs Walter, who owns a hairdressing and beauty salon in Headcorn, has also only been able to return to work on a part-time basis.

Since the accident, a team of serious injury lawyers at Minster Law have secured interim payments to aid the Walter’s rehabilitation while the case progresses. And, although the couple will continue to be affected both physically and mentally by the accident for many years to come, they have been offered some justice. The driver of the vehicle that caused the collision has recently been sentenced to over two years’ imprisonment and banned from driving for more than four years.

Mr Walter said: “For most people, Christmas Day is a happy occasion, celebrated with family and friends. However, this Christmas marks the one-year anniversary of our car accident which left my wife and I with serious injuries. Although the driver who caused the collision has been reprimanded for his actions, Deborah and I will continue to remember Christmas Day as the day our lives changed forever.”

“The progress in our recovery we’ve made so far is thanks to the team at Minster Law, who fought to secure payments to assist our financial position while we were unable to work, and the specialists who are aiding our ongoing rehabilitation.”

Minster Law Solicitor, John Gibney, who is leading Mr and Mrs Walter’s cases said: “Minster Law specialises in road traffic accidents and unfortunately a significant number of the cases we deal with involve serious injuries. The fact that both Mr and Mrs Walter were injured in the same accident causes additional challenges as both need rehabilitation for their injuries and both are unable to resume their full-time jobs.”

“In a case such as this, securing interim funds was essential to avoid putting the couple under any additional psychological and financial pressure. We’re pleased to be assisting Mr and Mrs Walter in their personal injury case, and look forward to a resolution that will give them the ongoing support they need for the future.”