THE PARTNER of a Leamington man killed in a car crash in Austria is still recovering from her injuries over a year on.
John Buckingham died when the car he and Julie Daurensan were travelling in plunged down a ravine in August 2015.
The accident happened as the couple were taking part in a vintage car rally on the Nockalm Road towards Innerkrems when their Alvis TE21 left the road. The police report was inconclusive as to the cause of the crash.
Julie suffered compound fractures to her right leg, a fractured skull, nerve damage to her right hand and severe facial injuries.
The 56 year-old has undergone a number of operations and lived in a rehabilitation facility in France until the start of this year. She still needs a wheelchair and will require further extensive surgery.
Julie, who now lives near Bordeaux, said: “My life has been shattered by the accident and I’m still struggling to come to terms with it.
“It is even more difficult given the physical pain I have been in since the accident and the series of surgical procedures I have had to go through to treat my injuries.
“I know I face further surgery down the line but thanks to my legal team I have been able to access the best possible rehabilitation and have been able to make a good recovery.
“I can only hope I continue to make a good recovery and that I’m able to access the help and support I need in the future.”
Personal injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell represented Julie as she looked to secure funds enabling her to access the rehabilitation and physiotherapy she needed to overcome her injuries.
The lawyers have been able to secure interim payments from John’s insurance company which have meant she can focus on her recovery and access the treatment she requires to continue her recuperation.
