Neasden car crash victim awarded �750,000 compensation at the High Court

Mother-of-four suffered brain damage after being hit by a truck on the North Circular Road

A mother-of-four who suffered brain damage after being hit by an out-of-control truck in a fatal pile-up has won a �750,000 compensation payout at the High Court.

Devbai Patel, of Carnfield Avenue, Neasden, was walking home after a shopping trip when catastrophe struck on the North Circular Road, in Neasden, on January 16, 2008.

The 60-year-old was hit and injured when a truck careered onto the pavement and hit the wall of a vet’s surgery.

She suffered multiple fractures and grave head injuries in the accident and had to be flown by air ambulance to hospital for emergency surgery.

After being in intensive care for two weeks and undergoing months of rehabilitation she was discharged home to the loving care and of her husband, Kunverji Patel.

Although she has in many ways made a good recovery, Mrs Patel suffered brain damage and will require extra care and assistance for the rest of her life.

The innocent truck driver, Stephen Moore, died in the smash caused when a motorist drove his hired Vauxhall into a Peugeot - which in turn slewed into the truck, sending it out of control.

The driver later pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving.

Through the Official Solicitor, Mrs Patel sued the Vauxhall driver’s motor insurers, who today agreed to a final settlement of her damages claim.

On top of a �750,000 lump sum, she will receive �25,000-a-year, index-linked and tax-free, for the rest of her life to cover the costs of the care she needs.

Mrs Justice Cox approved the settlement, which she described as “very sensible and realistic”.

After being told the couple were not in court, the judge concluded: “Please give my best wishes to Mr and Mrs Patel”.