A record £23 million is awarded to the victim of a catastrophic car accident

Agnes Collier has been awarded £23 million to compensate her for the catastrophic injuries she suffered in a car crash that also killed her mother and seriously injured her brother. Agnes was only 13 years old when Anthony Norton pulled out of a side road forcing the car she was travelling in, into the path of a lorry. Agnes suffered serious injuries to her spine in the accident which left her without the use of her legs and little function in her arms. Following the accident Norton was convicted of causing death by driving without due care and attention and was sentenced to six months imprisonment which was suspended for a year. He was also banned from driving for a period of 18 months and was ordered to do 300 hours of unpaid community work.

The compensation awarded to Agnes comprises £7.25 million lump sum together with annual payments of £270,000. The sum awarded reflects the seriousness of the injuries Agnes sustained and will provide for her care needs for the rest of her life. It is thought to be the highest award given to date for a personal injury claim. Agnes is reported to be an extremely determined person, who despite suffering such life changing injuries has continued to do well at school and is rebuilding her life so she can have a successful future. Her determination was recognised by Mr Justice MacDuff who told Agnes “it never ceases to amaze me how people can deal with this type of adversity”.