A woman who has spent four years battling to overcome a traumatic brain injury after being hit by a bus is warning motorists to take extra care when driving in the rain.

Diana Gonzalez of Walthamstow was knocked down in Norwich city centre in January 2014 and has since been affected by serious memory and cognitive problems.

The 38-year-old suffered a bleed to the brain after the incident which happened while she was on holiday with her partner Marc Regan, 45.

She is speaking out about her ordeal for the first time as national Road Safety Week kicks off.

Recalling the incident that changed her life, she said: “I was around half-way across the road when I suddenly became aware of a bus on my left.

“I tried to jump out of the way but there was no time.

“I recall seeing the lights of the bus but do not remember anything else until I regained consciousness.

“The first thing I remember was a man asking if I was okay. I was lying in the road with my head on the surface.”

The street where Ms Gonzalez was hit by a First Eastern Counties bus was closed to vehicles except for taxis, buses and delivery trucks.

She was knocked down while crossing a speed table – a section of road raised to the same level as the pavement which creates a natural crossing point for pedestrians -  at around 4.30pm.

First Eastern Counties denied liability for the collision and the case was taken to the High Court where judgment was entered for Ms Gonzalez on a split liability basis.

The Judge awarded her money to help with her treatment.

Ms Gonzalez, who was out of work for over a year after the incident, said due to fatigue and loss of balance she is unsure if she will ever quality in her dream profession – accountancy.

She added: “What might have seemed a minor collision at the time has resulted in nearly four years of hurt and frustration. I am not the person I used to be.

“My cognitive difficulties mean I struggle with everyday tasks which others take for granted and this has impacted both my private and working life.

“I would urge drivers to remain vigilant on the roads at all times and reduce their speed, especially when it’s dark and wet when it’s harder to see pedestrians.”

Ms Gonzalez has instructed specialist serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help establish liability and access funds to put rehabilitation in place to maximise her recovery.

Serious injury lawyer Jack Sales said: “While Diana may look well physically, her traumatic brain injury is still having a profound effect on her nearly four years on from the collision.

“While some physical injuries may heal in a few months, a brain injury can have a lasting effect. Securing funds for rehabilitation can help maximise recovery.

“We fully support Diana’s appeal for drivers to take care, especially in pedestrianised areas and when the conditions are dark and wet.”