A young woman who is still in coma after a traffic accident in 2008 has been awarded almost €400,000 in damages.

The case was filed by Xavier and Celestina Grech against Jeffrey Vella on behalf of their daughter Marla Grech.

The court heard that Ms Grech, who was 15 years old at the time of the accident, was a front-seat passenger in a car driven by Mr Vella, her boyfriend, who was dropping her off at home.

The accident occurred in the early hours of March 1, 2008 when Mr Vella lost control of the car and crashed into a wall and an electricity pole.

Ms Grech suffered a permanent disability as a result of the accident and is still in a coma.

The court, presided by Magistrate Paul Coppini, established that Mr Vella's loss of control over the car was caused by excessive speed.

It pointed out that Ms Grech's father had lost income while he looked after his daughter when she was in hospital in Malta, while her mother had dedicated her life to looking after her.

Marla Grech is bedridden and needs special care so as not to develop bed sores and other complications from her condition.

The court concluded by finding that Ms Grech had suffered a hundred per cent permanent disability.

Magistrate Coppini said that at the time of the accident, Ms Grech was studying to sit her for her O levels and she would have been expected to earn at least the minimum wage for 40 years.

The court therefore found in favour of Mr and Mrs Grech and ruled that Mr Vella was solely responsible for the accident. Mr Vella was ordered to pay €394,917 in damages.