Loraine White, 72, gets £95,000 after a moped crash in Leyton caused life-changing injuries while walking to Mother’s Day lunch.
A man faced charges but wasn’t convicted. He denied driving the moped in the crash. This happened at court.
Loraine’s lawyers won a payout. She got £95,000 from the man’s insurance. This covers her life-changing injuries.
Loraine remembers the day of the crash. It was March 24, 2022. She was taking a shortcut to the bus stop. She said if she walked another way, the crash wouldn’t happen.
The crossing had lights and it wasn’t dark. A car stopped for her. Loraine looked left and right as she crossed.
When she looked right, she was on the ground. She didn’t know she’d been hit. Her left-hand nails broke and she felt a lot of pain. It was hard to breathe and she didn’t have time to react.
Neighbors helped her. Police came but left for another crash. Loraine waited an hour in the road. A medic treated her there, but no ambulances were free. She took a taxi to the hospital.
She had surgery the next day. Doctors put metal in her leg, fixing the broken bone. Loraine stayed in bed for over two weeks. When she went home, the pain was terrible.
Her sons helped her with everything. Loraine said it felt degrading and she used a walker indoors.
Loraine felt encouraged by the trial in November 2022. Despite this, the man was acquitted. Her lawyer helped her sue the insurers.
She received £95,000, but £55,000 after legal fees. Loraine says money can’t fix her injuries. She crawls upstairs and shuffles around.
She is also often mistaken for a shoplifter because the metal sets off store alarms. Loraine says the crash ruined her retirement. Solicitor Ms Flannigan agrees.
Loraine wants cameras on crossings to punish drivers who aren’t careful. She wants to move, but the council will adjust her home. She hates her house of 27 years, struggling with stairs. Everything has changed for her. She can’t bathe or go to the gym. Loraine said it has made her life hell and she doesn’t feel safe there anymore.