Family seeks claim in crossing tragedy

THE family of a woman killed by a car at a Shaw zebra crossing are taking legal action against the late driver’s insurers.

Coroner Simon Nelson concluded that bright sunshine, traffic and the layout of the Milnrow Road crossing were factors in the death of Lynn Steele (63) in the accident in January 2012. The same impact left Lynn’s husband Raymod with “life-changing” brain injuries.

After the inquest had ruled the death was accidental, the couple’s daughter Sarah revealed the family’s pain.

“This incident has ruined my family’s lives,” she said. “The pain of losing my mum and seeing my dad so shattered is incredible, and is something nobody should have to go through.”

Sarah, who suffers from glaucoma and is registered blind, has lost the support offered by her parents.

Family lawyer Richard Crabtree, of Slater and Gordon, said the family will now pursue a compensation claim.

“Nobody was ever held to account for the incident which took Lynn from them. We expected this verdict and it now enables us to vigorously pursue our claim,” he explained.

“The driver was never charged and is no longer alive, but we can still hold the driver’s insurer to account for the hardship this family now endures.”