Teen passenger injured in pal’s car receives fair damages from insurance company

Kieran Conchie was in the back seat of his friend’s car when it left the road and crashed into a garden wall. 

The teen from Dumfries suffered a leg break so bad he had to stay in hospital for more than a month. 

He even spent his 18th birthday in the ward of Dumfries & Galloway Royal Hospital.

Kieran’s recovery took more than one year as he needed surgery to treat his right broken femur and was unable to work for months. 

The teen also needed help with even the most basic of tasks like washing and dressing. 

Kieran’s dad, Steven, realised what happened to his son wasn’t fair so the decision was taken to seek legal advice. 

Steven approached Dumfries lawyer Hannah Bennett. 

She met with Kieran and his dad and agreed to help the teenager with a no win, no fee road traffic accident claim.

Hannah gathered the medical evidence needed to prove the long-term impact of Kieran’s injuries. 

This meant she was able to present a case to the insurance company of the driver, get them to agree to fund rehabilitation treatment and pay Kieran fair compensation.

Hannah said: “A key thing for injured people to remember in these situations is it’s not the individual who pays your compensation – it is their insurance company. 

“People often feel uneasy making a claim when the driver has been their friend, family member or loved one but in most cases, it is the insurers who manage everything. Getting adequate support and accessing early rehabilitation can have a massive impact on an individual’s recovery and future outcomes”

“I’m happy to have helped Kieran secure a fair resolution and wish him all the best for the future.” 

After the legal action settled, Steven thanked Hannah and Digby Brown for the positive outcome.

He said: “After my son was injured as a rear seat passenger in a road traffic collision, our family was thrown into a situation no parent ever expects to face. 

“He spent four-and-a-half weeks in hospital and more than a year of rehabilitation.

“It was an overwhelming and frightening time for all of us but from the very first conversation, Hannah provided clarity, reassurance and genuine compassion. 

“Hannah explained every step of the process in plain, straightforward language and kept us fully informed throughout.

“Nothing was ever too much trouble, and it was clear that my son’s wellbeing was her priority. 

“Thanks to Hannah’s expertise, dedication and persistence, my son received fair compensation and enhanced private medical treatment which gave him the best possible chance to rebuild his life after such a traumatic ordeal.”

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Kieran with his dad, Steven