A pedestrian who was hit by a Metropolitan Police van as she crossed the road has settled a legal claim against the force for £1.3 million.
The woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was hit by the van responding to an emergency call as she crossed a road in Streatham, south London, in 2019.
Giles Mooney KC, for the woman, told the High Court on Tuesday his client suffered serious head injuries in the collision and is now cared for by her family.
The barrister told the court that in 2024, the two sides agreed the woman partly contributed to the collision, and that she would be awarded 40 per cent of any damages.
Mr Mooney continued this meant she would receive around £1.3 million, which the woman and her family hoped to use to buy a property to support her care.
Approving the settlement, Judge Sylvia de Bertodano said the woman spent almost six months in hospital following the collision.
She said: “She lives now with her family, but she continues to suffer life-changing, ongoing symptoms as a result of the accident. She will never work or live independently again.”
The judge continued that the settlement was “sensible” and described the family’s care as “quite outstanding”, adding: “I am sure that the claimant’s family are hugely relieved that this is over.”
She said: “I recognise that the damages in terms of money will only be a proportion of what is needed, but I very much hope that it means that the family can move forward in the certainty of what funding is available to support her future.”
Addressing the woman in court, the judge concluded: “I would like to wish you and all your family the very, very best for the future.”
Adam Clemens, for the Met, said: “May I just take this opportunity to wish the claimant and her family the very best of luck going forward.”
