Family of car accident victim receive payout

The family of a man who died nearly three years after being struck by a car have been awarded compensation, it has been revealed.

Tony Gate, a highway worker from the port of Hartlepool in the north-east of England, suffered a serious brain injury after being hit by the vehicle in July 2003, Hartlepool Today reports.

He was putting roadworks signs out when the accident occurred.

As a result of the injuries he sustained, the 52-year-old was forced to live in a nursing home.

While no criminal charges were ever brought against the driver, Mr Gate's family launched civil proceedings against her insurers.

Now, they have been awarded compensation in an out-of-court settlement.

Mr Gate's sister Linda Hughes said: "The entire family are pleased someone has finally accepted responsibility for Tony's accident."

She added: "Tony was never able to tell us what happened on that day and now we feel the final piece of the puzzle has been found."

19/11/2008 14:45