In May 2018, a major road traffic collision left Zoe critically injured. Life as she knew it changed in an instant - and as she began the long journey towards recovery, she was faced with an uncertain future.
Because Zoe lives in a remote rural location, travelling long distances has always been part of her daily life. One day, out of nowhere, a vehicle collided with her truck whilst crossing the highway. Left seriously injured and unable to breathe, it took some time for paramedics on scene to stabilise her condition enough to allow her to be flown to the Alfred hospital in Melbourne.
On arrival in intensive care, Zoe was induced into a coma, where she remained for weeks. Once she was finally able to breathe without help, her doctors were able to restore her to consciousness. From then on, Zoe’s rehabilitation journey was long and difficult. Achieving even the most basic of everyday tasks seemed far out of reach, as she began the painful process of learning how to walk, talk, and eat again.
When she was finally discharged from hospital three months later, Zoe hoped that she would be able to put the accident behind her. However, as she continued to struggle to return to normal functioning at home, the reality of her long-term injuries started to set in.
Following a recommendation from one of her treating medical professionals, Zoe approached Robinson Gill for advice. For Jeremy King, who subsequently visited Zoe at her family home, it was clear that her injuries were continuing to have a profound effect on her daily life - and that, without financial support, it would be very difficult for her to ever return to normal.
“After an accident, you really don’t know what’s going to happen next. When I heard what Jeremy’s team had achieved, I was shocked. I never thought that I could receive as much as I did.” - Zoe
For Zoe, the most difficult thing about the aftermath of the accident was the uncertainty that it brought to her future. Before instructing Robinson Gill, there was so much that she didn’t know - what her long-term recovery would look like, whether she would ever be able to return to work, and how she would be able to support herself going forwards without any help.
With Robinson Gill in her corner, Zoe achieved a substantial TAC compensation settlement which took all of these uncertainties into account - giving her the financial safety net that she needed to continue with her life. Whilst it cannot change what happened to her, Zoe’s payout has given her back her security and peace of mind - finally, she can look to the future without having to wonder what comes next.
Making a TAC claim due to a motor vehicle accident is a complex and often stressful process that is best navigated with expert support. With the experience of our lawyers, you'll be able to focus on your recovery whilst we take care of the rest. Find out more information about how we can support road accident claimants.
How can I learn more?
Jeremy King.
Principal.
- Injury Law & Police Misconduct
- 03 9890 3321
- Email Address: j.king@robinsongill.com.au
Jeremy joined Robinson Gill in 2006 after graduating from Monash University with degrees in Law and Arts. He has a Masters of Law at Utrecht University in the Netherlands specialising in human rights and criminal justice. He is an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury and the head of the firm’s personal injury law team.
Some other resources you
might find helpful
Benefits of a Special Disability Testamentary Trust Will
In Victoria, establishing a Special Disability Testamentary Trust (‘SDTT’) — a special disability trust created through a will — can further secure significant benefits for both the disabled beneficiary and the family members setting up the trust.
Waller v Barrett – At last! The internationally recognised tort of invasion of privacy finally becomes proper Australian law
The case of Waller v Barrett is an intriguing step forward in the common law and for the first time in Australian law establishes the tort of invasion of privacy. It is also a fascinating example of a Plaintiff taking a creative and innovative approach to both torts law and equitable remedies.
Hyland v TAC [2024] VSC 641- Plaintiff obligations and conflicting evidence in transport accident claims
The decision of the Supreme Court in Hyland v Transport Accident Commission [2024] VSC 641 contains helpful guidance and direction regarding a Plaintiff’s obligation under s.96 of the Transport Accident Act 1986 (Vic) as well as providing a fascinating example of the way a Court deals with conflicting evidence.