Andrew’s story: a serious car accident and its lasting impact

Andrew was stopped at a red light in Flemington on an ordinary afternoon.

Within seconds, everything changed.

A tow truck slammed into the back of his car without slowing down, forcing his vehicle into another lane, where it was hit again on the driver’s side.

The impact was severe. His car was written off. But for Andrew, the real damage didn’t stop at the collision scene.

"I didn't even see it coming. One second, I was sitting at the lights, the next my whole life had changed,” says Andrew.

When the pain doesn’t go away

Andrew was taken by ambulance to the Royal Melbourne Hospital with pain in his neck and back. In the days that followed, that pain intensified.

What initially seemed like a serious but survivable collision became something much harder to recover from.

Scans later revealed a significant spinal injury: a disc protrusion in his lower back compressing the surrounding nerves. The pain spread into his left hip and leg, affecting how he walked, sat, and slept.

Despite ongoing treatment, the injury persisted.

In August 2022, Andrew underwent spinal surgery to try to relieve the pain. While the procedure helped with some symptoms, it didn’t restore his life to what it had been.

"I had the surgery hoping I'd get my life back. It helped, but it didn't give me back what I lost," says Andrew.

Today, he continues to live with daily pain, using a walking stick for support and a shower chair to manage basic routines.

The hidden toll of road trauma

Alongside his physical injuries, Andrew also experienced psychological impacts that are common in serious road accidents but often less visible.

He developed anxiety and depression. Driving became stressful, particularly around trucks. He found himself constantly on edge, replaying the accident and worrying about the future.

These effects have stayed with him long after the physical crash injuries were treated.

Life after work in construction

Before the accident, Andrew built his career in construction.

He had spent years working in physically demanding roles, including installing glass on high-rise buildings across Melbourne. It was skilled, hands-on work, and work he enjoyed.

At the time of the crash, he was preparing to return to the industry after a slowdown during the pandemic, but that return never happened.

Andrew has not been able to work since the accident and remains medically unfit to go back to his trade. With all his experience tied to physical labour, the loss of that career has been significant.

That impact extends beyond work. Activities that once kept him active and social, like running and playing golf, have either stopped or been dramatically reduced. Even day-to-day tasks around the house can be difficult, meaning he now relies on family for support.

His injuries have also affected his relationships and sleep, adding another layer to his recovery.

Support through the process

After the accident, Andrew made a claim through the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), which was accepted. However, as his recovery progressed, it became clear that his injuries were more than temporary.

With support from Maurice Blackburn, Andrew applied for a serious injury certificate due to the injuries he sustained, recognising the long-term impact the accident has had on his life, both physically and psychologically.

The matter was resolved in 2025, approximately four years after the crash, with a successful outcome achieved with the help of Maurice Blackburn.

"I won't pretend it's been easy, but I haven't given up,” says Andrew.

“Having Maurice Blackburn in my corner meant I didn't have to fight this on my own, and that made all the difference."

More than “just” an accident

Rear-end collisions are often described as “common” road accidents. But Andrew’s experience shows how lasting the consequences can be, especially when the injury is serious or has longer-term complications.

A single moment on the road can alter a person’s health, their work, and their independence, well beyond what anyone expects at the time.

For Andrew, recovery has meant learning to live with ongoing pain, adapting to daily limitations, and facing an uncertain future.

While the road forward is different to the one he had planned, Andrew continues to focus on managing his health and rebuilding parts of his life where he can.

His experience is a reminder that behind every accident statistic is a person navigating the long aftermath, often in ways that aren’t immediately visible.

If you've been injured due to a road accident, you may be eligible to make a compensation claim.

Our Melbourne Road Accident Lawyers are highly skilled and experienced at gaining the best outcomes for our clients.

Use our free road injury claim check tool to see if you are eligible, and contact us to book a consultation and find out where you stand.