South Yorkshire taxi driver wins 'substantial' pay-out over horror crash

A South Yorkshire taxi driver has won a ‘substantial’ pay-out after a horror crash in which his cab burst into flames.
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Antony Gray had to be pulled from his burning cab after a car which had veered onto the wrong side of Sheffield Road, Barnsley, ploughed head-on into his vehicle.

The 44-year-old’s legs were broken and he suffered a shattered left hip and knee as well as a head injury in the crash.

Anthony and Cristiane Gray with their daughter, VictoriaAnthony and Cristiane Gray with their daughter, Victoria
Anthony and Cristiane Gray with their daughter, Victoria
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His teenage passenger suffered a bleed on the brain and fractured eye socket.

Antony’s injuries meant he had to give up his career as a driver.

His wife Cristiane was seven months pregnant with their daughter, Victoria, at the time.

Serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have secured a ‘substantial’ interim payment for Antony to fund rehabilitation and vocational assessments to help him retrain and return to work.

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Speaking during Road Safety Week, lawyer Elizabeth Whitehead said: “Antony’s case vividly highlights how the serious injuries people suffer in crashes not only greatly impact on that person’s life but also the lives of their family.

“The last year or so has been incredibly difficult not only for Antony but also Cristiane. What should have been such a joyous occasion for them, welcoming Victoria into the world, has been tainted by the crash and Antony’s battle to try and overcome his injuries.”

Antony was knocked unconscious in the crash and when he came round he noticed flames in his vehicle.

Passers-by came to his rescue and helped Antony, who could not walk because of his injuries, out of his cab.

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He was taken to Northern General Hospital where he underwent a number of operations and spent more than three weeks.

Antony, who had been a taxi driver for 12 years, had seven screws fitted in his left hip and knee as well as 10 metal pins in his right leg. His right leg remains disfigured and he requires a walking stick.

He said: “All I remember is coming round and seeing flames in the cab. I was in so much pain and couldn’t move. Then two men came and dragged pulled me out of the cab to safety.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.