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Walthamstow dancer urges drivers to be careful after devastating crash

Tara Oakley is still trying to fully recover after a driver hit her and her mother two years ago

Tara in hospital after the crash (courtesy of Irwin Mitchell)

A Walthamstow dancer is urging drivers to be more careful after a crash that left her with a broken arm and leg.

Tara Oakley, 42, is still trying to fully recover after a driver hit her and her elderly mother in Nottingham on Boxing Day two years ago.

The driver, who was later found guilty of driving without due care and attention, drove onto the pavement and hit Tara and her mum Charlotte, who was left with a broken back and pelvis.

Tara, a dancer and fitness professional, was flung onto the windscreen and suffered a broken right arm and shoulder, a double break in her left leg and a fractured knee.

She 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 onto 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 the hospital told me the extent of my injuries it really dawned on me how serious things were.”

Tara’s injuries meant she was bed-bound for 12 days and found it “a real struggle” to do normal things like wash and dress herself after she was discharged.

Tara in hospital after the crash (courtesy of Irwin Mitchell)

She added: “My work[…] relies on me being fit and healthy. I’ve had to turn down work because of my injuries and 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.

“Despite everything, I try to remain as positive as possible. I’m fully focused on my recovery and 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.”

With the help of serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell, Tara won a payment from the driver’s insurance company to help fund complex reconstruction surgery on her knee.

Sarah Griggs, who represented Tara, said: “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.”  

Despite maintaining their innocence, the driver was found guilty of driving without due care and attention, received six points on their licence, was fined £350 and ordered to pay £620 in court costs.


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