Rally navigator awarded €18,000 over crash injuries

A 48-year-old man who claimed he suffered ongoing severe neck pain following a road incident has continued participating in car rallying since, the Circuit Civil Court has been told.

Circuit Court President Mr Justice Raymond Groarke said Barry Faul had not wanted to give up his activity as a rally navigator after the car he was driving was rear-ended by Eoin O'Neill in July 2012.

Mr Faul, of Silverbirch, Ballinalea, Ashford, Co Wicklow, had told the court that he attended his GP on the day of the crash, complaining of neck and back pain.

He had suffered whiplash type soft tissue injuries and had been prescribed painkillers and anti-inflammatories. He had attended several sessions of chiropractic and reflexology treatment.

Barrister Martin Fitzgerald said his client, Mr Faul, had needed to take painkillers periodically since the crash and had given up cycling and soccer activities.

The court heard Mr Faul’s social, domestic and recreational life had been disrupted since the crash. He sued Mr O’Neill, of Hempstown, Blessington, Co Wicklow, for negligence and breach of duty.

Barrister Philip Fennell, for Mr O'Neill, said his client admitted liability and today's hearing was an assessment of damages only.

Judge Groarke said rallying was a gruelling activity, requiring travelling as fast as possible on country roads, and was physically and mentally exhausting.

When Mr Fennell put to him that he had participated in several rallies since the crash, Mr Faul said he had not wanted to give it up.

Judge Groarke awarded Mr Faul €18,000 damages.