Cyclist left brain damaged after road crash wins six-figure payout five years on

A cyclist who suffered life-changing injuries when she was run over by a car issued a road safety plea today after securing a six-figure compensation pay-out.

Agata Polakowska, 35, suffered devastating brain injuries and a broken leg, and is likely to require a knee replacement after being hit from behind as she rode home in Church Road, a dual carriageway, in Northolt.

Left unconscious by the collision, she was treated at the scene by London Air Ambulance medics and taken to St Mary’s hospital, in Paddington.

The incident occurred in July 2014 but the legal battle to obtain damages from the driver’s insurers has taken almost five years. 

Ms Polakowska, who is originally from Poland and lives in Southall, said: “The whole incident remains a bit of a blur but in many ways I felt lucky to be alive.”

She underwent neuropsychology, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy to help her recover from the head injury. 

Now she is undergoing rehabilitation and physiotherapy for the knee injury and is undertaking charity work in Hillingdon in preparation for resuming a full-time job. She was working as a waitress at the time of the crash.

“There have been many ups and downs since the crash and I get frustrated that I can’t always do things like going for a run or dancing with friends that I used to take for granted,” Ms Polakowska said. 

“However, I want to try to look to the future and put the last few years behind me and concentrate on my recovery. I just hope that by speaking out motorists recognise the dangers they pose and the hurt they can cause by not paying attention.”

The driver was not prosecuted but Ms Polakowska’s lawyers, Irwin Mitchell, obtained an admission of liability from his insurers, leading to the settlement to support her recovery.

Peter Lorence, her lawyer, said: “Agata has faced an incredibly difficult few years as she tried to come to terms with the devastating injuries she suffered through no fault of her own. We are pleased that we have been able to secure the vital funds that Agata needs to help access the continued support and therapies she requires. 

“We join Agata in urging drivers to pay attention on the roads at all times.”