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A SALISBURY man who cheated death in a car crash has launched a legal battle for compensation of more than £300,000.

Front seat passenger Paul Sawtell suffered multiple injuries, including a fractured and dislocated neck, and a head injury, after the accident almost three years ago.

He was sitting in the front seat of his own Toyota car when driver Avril Duggon, now Shaw, drove straight over a mini roundabout and head on into a brick wall, it is alleged.

Now Mr Sawtell, of Belle View Road, Salisbury, is claiming damages from Mrs Shaw, of Warwick Close, Salisbury.

After the accident on July 23 2005, he was rushed to Salisbury District Hospital's intensive care unit, where he was treated for multiple injuries including a severe chest injury and multiple fractured ribs, and an injured liver.

Later, he was transferred to the spinal cord injury unit, and stayed in hospital until February 2 2006.

He has made good progress recovering from his injuries, but continues to suffer difficulties with mobility, balance, and pain, and there is a risk that he could develop a cyst in his spine, and that his condition could deteriorate.

He continues to need assessment and treatment for physiotherapy and occupational therapy, according to a High Court writ.

He claims Mrs Shaw was negligent, and says she drove too fast, failed to avoid colliding with the wall, failed to take the due care of a reasonably competent motorist, and exposed him to a forseeable risk of injury.

She pleaded guilty to driving carelessly and with excess alcohol at a court hearing later, the writ claims.

Mr Sawtell says that he and Mrs Shaw have agreed that liability for the crash should be split 72/5% - 27.5% in his favour.

His claim for damages includes loss of earnings, cost of care, additional accommodation, aids and equipment, additional household, travel, transport, and medical costs. And he is asking the court to allow him to return to court to seek more damage if his condition deteriorates.

8:16am Saturday 22nd March 2008

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