A daughter has spoken about the "devastating" injuries she endured after she and her mum were hit by a car that mounted the pavement. Fitness professional Tara Oakley and her mum, Charlotte, were walking in Newthorpe, near Nottingham, on December 26, 2021, when a car - being driven by a 90-year-old - came on to the path.
The pair were walking on the pavement along the B600 Moorgreen near to the junction of Engine Lane, when a car mounted the kerb at around 2.30pm and hit Tara and her 73-year-old mum. Tara was flung on to the windscreen before rolling down a grass verge and hitting a tree.
Both were taken to a hospital, with Charlotte suffering a broken back, pelvis and head injury from the incident. Tara suffered a broken right arm and shoulder, a fractured left knee, a double break to her left leg, and ligament damage to her knees.
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The 42-year-old had been visiting her mum for Christmas but was left bedbound for 12 days and had to undergo a number of operations following the incident. Tara, of Walthamstow, East London, contacted lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help her deal with the specialist support, therapies and rehabilitation she requires to overcome her injuries, as well as the complex reconstruction surgery needed for her left knee.
The self-employed dancer, fitness professional and massage therapist recently underwent the surgery, and which doctors believe it could take her a year to recover. The driver who hit both Tara and her mum appeared at Nottingham Magistrates' Court for driving without due care and attention.
Speaking about what happened, Tara said: "I remember we were walking when I suddenly saw a car lose control and come towards us. The next thing I had been hit and was flung on to the windscreen. There then felt like this constant feeling of rolling before I hit a tree.
"I was dizzy but conscious. After a few seconds I tried to move but realised my left leg didn't look right and the pain hit me. When the doctors in hospital told me the extent of my injuries it really dawned on me how serious things were.
"It wasn't a case of being discharged from hospital and everything being fine. Once back home I found it difficult to complete any personal tasks. Things like washing and dressing, which people take for granted, was a real struggle."
She added: "My work as a self-employed fitness instructor, dancer and masseuse relies on me being fit and healthy. I've had to turn down work because of my injuries. I've lost clients because I haven't been able to run classes for them.
"Work is my life and it's all I've ever known so I'm worried about whether I'll fully recover and the long-term impact this will have on me. I've recently had further surgery on my knee meaning I am unable to work."
Sarah Griggs, the expert serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Tara, said after the hearing: "What happened to Tara and her mum vividly highlights the terrible consequences innocent road users can be left to face because of the actions of others. Tara's injuries have had a profound impact on her life. Understandably the last 14 months and coming to terms with the physical and physiological effects of what happened has been incredibly difficult for her.
"While Tara has made progress in her recovery through access to rehabilitation, she still faces many challenges in order to overcome her injuries and be able to properly return to work. We're determined to support Tara throughout her recovery. However, in the meantime we hope her case acts as a warning for all road users to take care at all times."
The driver, Kenneth Pinder, 90, pleaded not guilty to driving without due care and attention but was found guilty following a trial at Nottingham Magistrates' Court. The driver had six points put on their licence and were fined £350 with £620 costs.
Tara added: "Despite everything I try and remain as positive as possible and I'm fully focussed on my recovery. I know I still face some hard times but I'm determined to make the best recovery I can and get more of my old life back.
"However, I just hope that by speaking out, people realise the hurt and pain they can cause others and why it's so important to take care while driving."
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