Man Facing Recovery Battle Now Speaking Out During Road Victim Month

A driver who was left with life-threatening injuries after he was involved in a collision with another car is speaking out for Road Victim Month to help raise road safety awareness.

Adrian Pascu, 26 from Newmarket, Suffolk, was involved in an accident with a speeding car when pulling out on to Hamilton Road, in Newmarket, just after 5:30am on 31 January this year. 

After the crash, Adrian was rushed to Addenbrookes Hospital needing emergency treatment to repair his diaphragm and liver. He was then intubated and admitted to the Neurosciences Critical Care Unit, where he remained in an induced coma for 19 days.

The driver of the speeding car, which was going at 72mph in a 40mph zone, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention. 

At Ipswich Magistrates Court on 31 July, 2018, the driver was ordered to pay a fine of £1460 and his driving licence was endorsed with five penalty points. He also had to pay £231 in court costs.

Following his accident, Adrian instructed specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to support him through legal action and to help him access specialist rehabilitation and treatment to aid his recovery. 

Asiya Yousaf, the expert serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s Cambridge office that is representing Adrian, said: 

Expert Opinion

“This is an incredibly sad example of the consequence of careless driving. Unfortunately the careless actions of a driver have caused immense pain for some and left a young man with serious, life-changing injuries.

“Adrian’s story highlights the need for other drivers to take note and be more responsible when on the road. Nothing is more important than your own safety and the safety of others on the roads.

“We will continue to support Adrian, and his girlfriend, Martyna, as they look to put this terrible ordeal behind them and focus on ensuring Adrian has access to the best care and treatment for his rehabilitation and recovery.” Asiya Yousaf - Solicitor

At the time of the accident, Adrian was travelling to the third day of his week-long probationary period at a gardening company in London. Due to the accident and his injuries, he never completed the probation period.

Adrian wasn’t discharged from hospital until 6th Match, and when discharged he was still in a significant amount of pain. 

His injuries included a pelvic fracture, rib fractures, a leg fracture, a collapsed lung and a lacerated spleen.

Adrian, who has lost 15kg in weight since the accident, said: “Six months later, I am still struggling to come to terms with my accident and the life-changing effect it has had on me.

“I am still taking medication to help with my physical injuries, and I find myself in pain often. Even just walking or sitting at times can be almost unbearable due to abdominal injuries meaning I cannot use my stomach muscles.

“However, over time with the right rehabilitation programme, I am confident that my physical health will improve.

“I also suffer from flashbacks and nightmares, and these are really hard to overcome and I become very upset. My anxiety has definitely worsened over time, but I recognise this and I am hopeful that it is another thing I will be able to overcome.

“I hope my experience will help raise awareness of the importance of safety on the road. It is so important that drivers pay proper attention behind the wheel, because the consequences can be devastatingly life-changing.”

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in road traffic accident cases.