The 42-year-old woman was hit by a slow moving Land Rover Discovery while cycling to work in Cumbria in 2010 which resulted in devastating injuries.

She had not been wearing a cycle helmet at the time of the collision however a leading cycle helmet expert concluded that surprisingly, in her case, protective headgear would not have prevented the extent of the brain damage she suffered.

Thompsons fought to obtain a series of interim payments

The woman spent two and a half months in hospital and Thompsons fought to obtain a series of interim payments which enabled her to secure a case manager, private support worker and private rehabilitation care which meant her treatment could be continued and extended.

The woman continues to receive private treatment to mitigate the effects of her lifelong injuries, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy as well as neuropsychological treatment.

Her husband said: “The accident has had an absolutely devastating impact on our lives, including those of my two teenage children. Every aspect of our day-to-day routine has changed permanently but none more so than my wife’s.

“We are enormously grateful to Thompsons Solicitors for their help and support throughout this process. Thompsons’ concern and attentiveness has made a huge difference to a family in shock and turmoil.

“While we can’t turn back the clock, this money will provide my wife with the considerable level of physical and psychological help she will need for the rest of her life. She is making steady progress and we’ll make every effort to ensure she continues to do so.”

Thompsons will continue to fight for cyclists who are injured

A brain injury lawyer from Thompsons Solicitors said, “Cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users. Typically you would expect a lack of a helmet to compound that vulnerability but, pretty uniquely, in this case the helmet wouldn't. Ultimately whilst helmets are to be encouraged, much more needs to be done to guarantee the safety of cyclists on our streets including better training for drivers of larger vehicles (including 4X4's), cyclist-friendly planning for new road infrastructure projects and harsher penalties for those road users who don’t respect the dedicated spaces for cyclists on the roads.

“Until then, as a firm that is full of cycling lawyers, we will continue to do everything in our power to fight for cyclists who are injured, ensuring they receive the financial means as quickly as possible to access the rehabilitation and support needed as early as possible.”