Digby Brown support injured wife after car crash claimed the life of husband

Few people know trauma like Miriam Patterson.

After a head-on car crash she broke both arms, both legs and had life-changing internal injuries. 

Then she learned her husband, Gary, did not survive – and it was one week before their 40th wedding anniversary. 

All after two dangerous drivers raced each other on a rural road. 

She said: “We were heading home after a nice, relaxed day. But we were in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Miriam’s future completely changed on 22 July 2021. 

She, Gary and their daughter were driving along the A713 near Patna, Ayrshire after returning from a day out in Castle Douglas.

They intended to go out for dinner so Gary, who wanted to be rested for the evening plans, slept in the back seat as Miriam sat in the front while their daughter drove. 

It was a gentle, summery day for the Pattersons. 

They enjoyed their day out, the scenic drive home (only doing about 50mph) and, of course, everyone wore their seatbelt. 

They were calm, safe and doing all the things expected of responsible motorists. 

But despite their own law-abiding behaviour, up ahead were two dangerous motorists racing each other.

Miriam said: “To this day it doesn’t seem fair because we did everything right. 

“We didn’t ask for this. It just goes to show you’re only really as safe as the most dangerous person who’s on the road.”

A later hearing at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court heard Daniel Kelly in a silver VW Passat, and Adam Smith in a black VW Scirocco were engaged in “competitive driving” on the winding road with witnesses describing a “cat and mouse” dynamic due to their speed and overtaking.  

Then, while rounding a bend, Smith’s Scirocco crossed into oncoming traffic and smashed head-on into the Patterson’s BMW.

Both Gary and Smith were killed.

Kelly – who was not involved in the collision – was convicted of dangerous driving, sentenced to 250 hours of community service and banned from driving for four years in connection with the events leading up to the crash. 

Miriam suffered broken bones to both arms and both legs and major internal organ damage to her bowels and lungs.

She was kept in hospital for nine weeks, needed multiple surgeries and frequently relied on domestic help from others for more than a year.

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The recovery was difficult and in many respects, Miriam will never again lead a normal life with the hardest part, understandably, being down to the loss of her husband.

She explained: “Gary was the very example of a decent, hard-working man.

“He worked as a music instructor for over 40 years – he loved his job and was loved by those around him.

“It is still hard to accept how the life of a good man like Gary could be ended so abruptly, so unfairly, in the manner it happened. 

“When Gary was here we had one young grandchild but we’ve had two more since he passed with another due and it’s a real shame Gary was denied the chance to be a papa to the new arrivals as he doted on his grandkids. 

“I honestly don’t know how I got through the other side with the surgeries and the court cases and the physios and dealing with all the bills and paperwork – Digby Brown was a huge support.”

Miriam and the Patterson family were helped after the crash by Damian White, Partner in the firm’s Glasgow office. 

Damian, who has years of experience in fatal accident claims, was able to support the Pattersons following the loss of Gary. 

He supported the family at the criminal case, helped with all the civil claim processes and made sure Miriam and her daughter – who also suffered injuries – had access to enhanced private medical care and CBT counselling.

Speaking about the legal support – before leaving a touching message to Damian – Miriam said: “At times I still can’t believe this has all been real. 

“I’ve always tried to be pragmatic and resilient and keep busy but that’s impossible when you are struggling to move. 

“My wounds may have healed but the pain of Gary’s absence will never leave me. 

“I just have to get used to this new kind of normal and I know the help from Digby Brown gives me the best possible chance to do that.

“That’s why, Damian, I can’t thank you enough for what you have done for me and my family. You were on our side and did the best job for us.

“Your skills, knowledge, professionalism, empathy and kindness have helped make the most awful situation so much more bearable for us all.

“We always felt supported and informed by you through each step of the process and I consider you not just my solicitor but my friend.”