A Forfar man whose life was devastated after a horrific drink-fuelled, hit-and-run car smash which killed his girlfriend is suing the driver for up to £2 million in damages.
Caroline Cumming (23), from Dundee, died, and her partner Scott Ramsay (27) was left critically injured when drink-driver Jamie Dolan ploughed into them after a Hogmanay party three years ago.
The couple were walking home on New Year’s morning when they were knocked down on Dundee’s Arbroath Road.
Driver Jamie Dolan was sentenced to seven years detention in a young offenders’ institute after pleading guilty to charges of causing death by dangerous driving while under the influence of alcohol, driving without a licence and failing to stop after the fatal accident.
Miss Cumming was struck first and thrown almost 90ft. She was pronounced dead at the scene, while Mr Ramsay, who landed in a nearby garden, had to endure months of operations.
He suffered extensive injuries to his leg, as well as a fractured jaw and ruptured bladder.
Dolan, who was just 17 and who got behind the wheel of a car for the first time on the night of the accident, was seen fleeing the scene holding two bottles of vodka.
Digby Brown solicitors, based in Dundee’s Greenmarket, are representing Mr Ramsay during the action. It is understood up to £2 million worth of damages are being sought if the case goes forward.
Robert Kernaghan, partner at Digby Brown, said: “The circumstances of this incident are truly horrific and nothing can fully compensate Mr Ramsay for the personal horror and loss he has suffered.
“We hope, though, that this legal action will mean he can obtain compensation that takes into account his future loss of earnings and on-going care and treatment costs.”
Dolan was more than twice the legal alcohol limit for driving and was travelling at speeds up to 60mph.
When he was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh, Judge Lady Smith said his actions were “highly irresponsible.”
In addition to seven years detention, Dolan was also banned from holding a driving licence for 15 years.