Six-figure payment after compensation claim over Mid Wales taxi collision

Gareth Jones was crossing the A489 near Machynlleth at night when he was hit by a taxi driver and knocked several feet down the road.

The 41 year old suffered a serious brain injury in the collision and was rushed to hospital where he was also treated for other injuries sustained in the accident.

The injury to his brain has left him with reduced mobility and in need of support for everyday tasks such as cooking and getting dressed. Mr Jones has not been able to return to work since the accident.

He and his partner, Tracey, initially went to a high street solicitor with the claim, but later turned to the ASLEF rail union and instructed Thompsons Solicitors.

Despite the defendant denying liability, Thompsons and ASLEF maintained that the driver was at fault, due to the speed they were driving given the road conditions and poor visibility. A six-figure settlement has now been secured.

"This collision has turned our entire world upside down," said Tracey. "Gareth went out that night with his brother, but came home a completely different person.

"I'm not sure if Gareth will ever be able to return to work, but the settlement that Thompsons and ASLEF secured for us means that we can move to a house better suited to his needs, which I hope will give him more independence in the future.

"All I can hope is that this will make drivers aware of the consequences of their actions, and think about the consequences poor decisions can have on the lives of those they hurt."

Paul Rosser, of Thompsons Solicitors, said: "According to the Department for Transport, more than 22,000 people were seriously injured on the roads in 2015 alone. This is a shocking statistic and, unfortunately, many of these accidents are avoidable if drivers paid better attention to the road."