A WOMAN whose breast cancer could be linked to injuries she suffered in a car crash is suing the driver who caused the smash.

Elena Matkunaite is demanding up to £100,000 from Adam Squirrell, of Observer Way, Kelvedon, after the crash in Colchester on February 7, 2008.

Lithuanian national Ms Matkunaite, 44, was left with fractures to one of her legs and suffered bruising to her breast from her seatbelt.

She claims it could have contributed to the malignant breast cancer she was diagnosed with in January this year.

Doctors from the Institute of Oncology have claimed there could be a casual link between these injuries and the development of the cancer.

Ms Matkunaite is undergoing surgery, chemotherapy and hormone therapy.

The carer, who has now returned to Lithuania, also claims she has suffered from distress, low mood and travel anxiety, and says she fears her injuries will stop her finding employment in the future.

Ms Matkunaite has taken her case to the High Court, where she is suing Mr Squirrell, 22.

He was convicted of careless driving by magistrates in Colchester on August 4, 2008.

The accident happened when Mr Squirrell lost control of his Fiesta and drove on the wrong side of Maldon Road, colliding with Ms Matkunaite’s Ford Sierra car.

She claims Mr Squirrell was negligent, drove without due care and attention, failed to avoid the collision, failed to keep a proper lookout, and drove on the wrong side of the road.

The case will be looked at by a judge, who will decide if there is a link between the bruising she received during the accident and the cancer she developed.