Cairns courier driver, Misty Radford, life changed after she was hit by an inebriated driver

A Cairns courier driver is fighting for justice after a harrowing crash which changed her life forever, ended her career and left her in chronic pain. Read her story here.

A Cairns courier driver is fighting for justice after a harrowing crash which changed her life forever, ended her career and left her in chronic pain.

Cairns resident Misty Radford had been a courier driver for more than a decade, navigating the busy streets of Far North Queensland with ease daily, but all that changed on June 15 when a car struck her truck at high speed.

Ms Radford had been driving her Volkswagen Amarok utility after a trip to Bunnings in Portsmith, as she was exiting a roundabout, another vehicle came “speeding-up” and hit her truck, lifting it onto two wheels.

“I didn’t realise we were in an accident at first,” she said. 

Despite the severity of the collision, Ms Radford “miraculously” managed to regain control of her vehicle and avoid a complete rollover. Picture: Brendan Radke

“I couldn’t feel my legs.

“The airbag deployed, and I thought the car was on fire.”

To make matters worse the driver and passenger of the car fled the scene, returning moments later to verbally abuse Ms Radford, threatening to kill her.

After police arrived, the driver was arrested and Ms Radford said she was later told by authorities he had been speeding and on drugs while operating the hire car.

“The police said they didn’t know how I survived. It was a miracle,” she said.

The damage to her Volkswagen Amarok utility has been quoted at over $25,000 to repair. Picture: Brendan Radke

Her nightmare continued after her claims for repairs on her truck were denied by the hire company’s insurer.

“The insurance company won’t pay for the repairs because the driver was under the influence,” Ms Radford said.

Her truck, which was left non-functional after the crash, requires more than $25,000 worth of repairs, including replacing doors, airbags, and straightening the structure.

For 12 years, Ms Radford has been delivering everything from medical freight to parcels across the region, but since the accident she has been left with severe physical and psychological injuries, which led to her quitting her job in November.

“I really loved my job. I would have kept doing it, but I’m in too much pain now to keep going,” she said.

The physical injuries that she suffered forced her to resign from her job, the Volkswagen Amarok utility will cost over $25,000 to repair. She wants the driver of the car and the hire car company that owns the car to take responsibility for the damage. Picture: Brendan Radke

Not only does she grapple with chronic pain daily, particularly in her left hip, back, and leg, she struggles with anxiety while driving.

“I’ve had to quit my job as a courier driver because I can’t physically handle it anymore,” she said.

Her lawyer Rachel McMahon from Maurice Blackburn Cairns highlighted the complexity of the accident, noting the challenges they face in getting her client justice.

“The hire car involved in the crash wasn’t covered due to the driver not being the person who rented it,” she said.

“This has left Misty with the added burden of her car being written off, while facing emotional trauma and the financial impact.”

After the accident Ms Radford said she is still suffering psychologically and is anxious about driving – which has impacted her ability to work as a courier driver. Picture: Supplied.

The added financial strain has also compounded the stress, Ms Radford said.

Despite her efforts along with Maurice Blackburn Cairns, her insurance claim remains tangled up in bureaucracy.

With the driver of the vehicle unable to be located, Ms Radford said she doesn’t feel justice is being served.

“It’s so frustrating to feel like he’s slipping away, and nothing’s getting done, like no one is willing to help.” she said.

Misty Radford was hit by an out of control driver at the intersection of Aumuller and Scott Streets in Bungalow in June. Picture: Brendan Radke

Through it all, Ms Radford is determined to share her story to warn others about the dangers on the road ahead of the busy holiday season.

“Don’t drink and drive. Don’t drive with drugs in your system and be aware of your surroundings,” she urged.

“If you’re in an accident, don’t run. Help each other. Do the right thing and don’t just flee.”

Originally published as Cairns courier driver, Misty Radford, life changed after she was hit by an inebriated driver