Drink driver turns Tim Stannage’s life upside down Tim Stannage’s life changed forever the day a drink-driver slammed a car into his vehicle on an otherwise perfect day. The crash left him with horrific back injuries that saw his T1 – at the top of his vertebrae – and T2 at the bottom – shattered. Mr Stannage, who owned and operated his own outdoor blinds company, had been returning to work in Melbourne’s south-east after performing an install when his vehicle was hit out of the blue at an intersection in Frankston. ‘The lights changed and I was accelerating toward the Ranfurlie Golf Club entrance when out of nowhere from the left a silver car came out of the side and turned directly into me. ‘It all happened so quickly I didn’t have time to brake. I was rushed to The Alfred hospital and spent the next three days immobilised not knowing what the outcome would be.’ Mr Stannage’s health and capacity to earn a living have been severely impacted by the crash. ‘I run my own business and there is a significant effect not only on myself but the business as well,’ he said. Arnold Thomas & Becker lawyer Stuart Coutts, who is representing Mr Stannage in his WorkCover and Transport Accident Commission claims, said legal action will never fully compensate what his client has lost. ‘Tim’s injuries are significant and at this point we know they will be life-changing into the future too. This is due to the actions of someone who decided to get behind the wheel in a severely inebriated state,’ he said. ‘Tim is fortunate to be alive but now has to live with the consequences of this person’s actions forever. ‘Along with the physical injuries, Tim suffers mental trauma from the accident, which will likely affect him for years to come … pursuing legal action and compensation can’t undo the pain and suffering that Tim now faces. However, we hope Tim can find closure in seeking justice, while sending a strong message that drink driving is not okay and should not be tolerated.’ Read the full story at the Daily Mail. Contact us Being injured in a road accident is traumatic and life-changing. At Arnold Thomas & Becker, our fearless lawyers will fight for you and the compensation you deserve – no win, no fee. Call us on 03 9034 8433 to speak to a lawyer today.