Given how common road accidents are, it’s never surprising to see them in the news. Whether it’s a horrific and unfortunate crash with fatalities involved, the M1 at a standstill, celebrity road antics, or just peculiar stories, they always manage to find their way on to the press headlines. We at The Injury Lawyers, as road accident specialists, are used to seeing a wide variety of claims through the door on a daily basis.
A story from BBC News (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11599203) tells of an unfortunate crash involving a man driving his car with the use of mind controlled prosthetic limb. Sounds like something out of a sci-fi film, doesn’t it? But it’s a true story: 22 year old Austrian Christian Kandlbauer is thought to be the world’s first person to pass their driving test with the use of prosthetic limbs. He tragically lost both of his arms four years ago after he was shocked by 20,000 volts, and his life was turned back around when he was provided with artificial limbs he can control with his mind.
His Subaru has been specially adapted, and he is legally qualified to drive – he was unfortunately found by a trucker in his car which had caught fire after smashing in to a tree. His condition is reportedly serious, and a police officer was reported to have said “Looking at the state of the wreck, it’s a miracle he got out at all”. A passing lorry driver was able to assist in putting the flames out and saving Mr Kandlbauer from the wreck.
The report goes on to say that Mr Kandlbauer was fitted with a mind-controlled robotic arm fitted by Otto Bock Healthcare, a medical technology company, meaning he was able to pass his driving test with the use of the limb as well as an ordinary prosthetic limb using a specially adapted car.
Mr Kandlbauer was reportedly interviewed by the BBC earlier this year, where he expressed his happiness with the artificial limbs he has been provided. He said “It is like my earlier arm – I feel that my arm is a part of my body.” He went on to say “With the prosthesis I am able to do things in my daily life alone without the help of another person. I am independent.” He returned to work as a clerk at the garage he was previously employed with as a mechanic.
It’s a tragic story to hear about – although let’s hope he makes a speedy recovery. The circumstances as to why the accident happened are not detailed in the article.
In a separate story from Sky News, for anyone who’s a cutting edge late night soap fan, the star of Channel 4’s hit TV show Shameless who portrays the roll of Carl Gallagher is currently on bail and due to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on 2nd November 2010 after a road accident which has left an 18 year old man in hospital suffering from head injuries. The actor involved, 20 year old Elliott Tittensor, has been arrested and charged for driving without insurance. Circumstances surrounding the cause of the accident do not appear to have been revealed.
Road accidents are unfortunately common – and it’s all too easy for a driver to end up being negligent by not paying enough attention whilst on the road, not keeping a safe distance between their car and the one in front, or even worse…
For expert advice on what you should do if you are the victim of a negligent drivers actions, speak to a specialist personal injury lawyer for the information you need on the best way to claim for compensation.
