At Keenan Solicitors, we recently secured a £7,000 settlement for a passenger who was rammed by another vehicle in Downpatrick during the early hours of the morning.

Despite complications surrounding the status of the at-fault vehicle, our experienced team were able to establish liability and deliver a swift and fair result for our client.

What Happened?

Our client was a passenger in a vehicle travelling in Downpatrick, when:

• In the early hours of the morning, a vehicle rammed into the car he was travelling in.
• He sustained physical injuries and emotional trauma due to the sudden impact.

The situation became complex when it emerged that:

• The at-fault vehicle was stolen and driven without the owner’s permission.
• The PSNI attended and compiled a full police report, identifying the driver as the owner’s brother, who had taken the vehicle without consent.

The Case:

1. Establishing Insurer Liability

Our client contacted Keenan Solicitors, having been recommended for our expertise in complex RTA claims.

• Ciaran Keenan acted on behalf of the client.
• We traced the insurers of the at-fault vehicle and issued a Letter of Claim.
• After reviewing the police report, we were able to demonstrate that, despite the car being stolen, the insurer remained liable.
• The insurance company accepted liability once we submitted the appropriate evidence.

2. Medical Assessment & Evidence

We obtained the client’s relevant medical notes & records.

We also arranged for an expert report from a Consultant in A&E Medicine, which revealed:

• Soft tissue injuries to the shoulder and neck
• A history of pre-existing back pain, though the prognosis remained unchanged
• Symptoms expected to resolve within 6 months
• Anxiety related to road travel was also documented, linked to the nature of the incident

3. Negotiation and Resolution

Once medical evidence and insurer liability were confirmed, we:

• Entered into settlement negotiations
• Secured a strong settlement of £7,000
• Achieved this without the need for court proceedings, ensuring the case was handled swiftly and efficiently

The Outcome:

• £7,000 compensation secured for physical and emotional trauma
• Successfully resolved a legally complex case involving an unauthorised driver
• No court appearance necessary—settled quickly after admission of liability
• Our client was very satisfied with the result and level of service provided

Injured in a Complex Road Traffic Accident? Let Us Help.

Even if the accident involved a stolen vehicle or legal complications, our expert team can help you get the compensation you’re entitled to.