A WOMAN who was left unable to work after police crashed into her car has received more than £20,000 in compensation after a three-year-battle.

The 33-year-old from Darlington, who does not wish to be named, was driving her Citroen C1 just a few hundred yards from the town’s police station when the incident happened three days after Christmas in 2013.

A police officer was responding to an emergency call when he crashed into the innocent motorist, leaving her with serious injuries which have prevented her from returning to work.

She was originally offered just £4,000 by Durham Police, who admitted responsibility for the incident, but three years on, she has now received more than five times that amount.

“I saw a police car flying out and coming towards me with no blue lights or siren on,” she said

“I couldn’t stop because I would have gone into other cars on my right, and he crashed into the side of me.”

The car was badly damaged and in the weeks that followed, the victim’s condition worsened significantly.

“I had an existing problem but after the accident the pain in my lower back got much worse and I started getting more pains in my legs as well,” she said.

She struggled on before eventually the pain and discomfort was so bad that she had to start using crutches and was unable to continue working, with MRI scans revealing severe arthritis as well as bulging discs.

“They said the arthritis has been triggered by something to kick in earlier than it would have,” she said.

“I’ve been told I just have to come to terms with it and know my limitations, which is very difficult to hear when you’re only 33.”

Although continuing to struggle, the woman, who was helped by Macks Solicitors, said she was pleased to have the situation resolved so she can start to get on with her life.

“The money will be a big help, especially coming at this time of year,” she said.

“It’s been a long road but I’m grateful that I had the advice of Macks, all the time.

“They explained to me what was happening at every stage and I really appreciate that.”

A spokesperson for Durham Police said: “As would be the case with any road collision, this matter was handled by the respective insurers for both parties.

“This means any compensation settlement would have been ultimately agreed by the insurers for the aggrieved party and the insurers for the force fleet, not Durham Constabulary itself.”