A woman has won a massive lawsuit after she was knocked down by a drunk driver while standing on the road watching Elon Musk's SpaceX.
Nadine Wood, 49, was left with life-threatening injuries after she was struck by an out-of-control Audi while standing on a bridge near her house with some friends.
The driver of the car had previously jumped a red light and collided with another car before hitting Nadine. After completing a roadside breath test, the driver, Loic Freeman, was found to be four times over the legal limit.
Nadine, of Lechlade, Gloucestershire was hospitalised for 16 days and was treated for fractures to her spine and pelvis and had life-threatening blood clots in her lungs.
The Ministry of Defence lecturer worked with Irwin Mitchell's injury lawyers to claim a six-figure sum - allowing her to carry out vital rehabilitation work and return to the workplace.
Nadine said: “It’s been more than two years since the crash, but I can still remember it like it was yesterday. One minute I was standing on the bridge and the next I was pinned up against it, screaming, after being crushed by a car.
“Friends managed to push the car away from me when I then fell to the ground. The pain was excruciating”.
Nadine was stood on the Halfpenny Bridge, Lechlade, Gloucestershire, as she hoped to see the SpaceX satellite pass through the sky in May 2020.
She continues to suffer both physically and psychologically due to the trauma and said: “I’m still significantly affected by injuries and feel the consequences of them every day. I haven’t been able to return to running with my local club and have been told the pain and physical difficulties I have been left with are unlikely to improve any further.
"I’ve finally been able to return to work, but it’s still a struggle sometimes. I’m so grateful to have amazing support from my friends and loved ones, and it’s such a relief that I can now begin to look forwards.
“I really wouldn’t wish what I’ve been through on anyone and want to remind drivers to stay safe on the roads. It only takes one moment or decision to change someone’s life forever.”
Freeman pleaded guilty at Gloucester Crown Court to two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving in August 2021.
He was jailed for two and a half years and will be banned from driving for three and a half years once he's been released.
