The passenger had been asleep and awoke to the feeling of being jerked sharply sideways. He realised that the driver of the car had pulled out to overtake another vehicle, despite the fact that they were approaching a bend. As they went round the bend, the car skidded on a patch of ice.

The next thing which the passenger remembers was realising that the car was upside down and that he was in severe pain. He managed however to struggle out of the badly damaged car with the help of a passer-by, fearing that it might catch fire.

He was taken to hospital, where it was discovered that he had fractured several vertebrae in his spine. He had to undergo surgery immediately and was left immobilised for several months to allow the fractures to heal.

He sought compensation for these injuries from the driver’s insurer. They initially refused to settle, but as the court hearing drew closer they offered a compensation settlement of £50,000, which he accepted.

If you have been injured in a road traffic accident, call Thompsons No Win No Fee specialists on 0800 0891 331 or text CLAIM to 78866 for advice from our lawyers.