Pc Guy Miller is still facing surgery on his injuries

Pc Guy Miller, 36, was in a coma for two months after suffering multiple fractures and head wounds in the incident in Kings Hill, Kent, in 2003.

Ricky Hales, now 21, of Deptford in south-east London, was jailed for 15 years in 2004 for his attempted murder.

The High Court said Mr Miller can claim damages from Ensign Motor Policies.

The firm insured his patrol car for Kent Police Authority.

'Significantly disabled'

Mr Miller, from Kingsnorth near Ashford, has been back on "light duties" for almost a year.

However, his solicitor Ian Walker said the level of damages could not yet be determined because his client's longer-term health and career prospects remain unclear.

Speaking after the High Court hearing on Thursday, Mr Walker said: "He's in hospital again today having surgery, he is still significantly disabled.

Ricky Hales was described as callous and reckless by police

"The doctors probably won't know how good he's going to be for another six to nine months.

"The police will have to decide if he's fit enough to continue his career."

Mr Walker said Mr Justice Jack had ruled that the police constable, as a "servant of the Crown", did have a right to damages for injuries sustained from a stolen police vehicle.

A statement for Ensign Motor Policies said: "What happened to Pc Guy Miller was very unfortunate, however, we are unable to comment further as it is company policy not to discuss individual claims"

Mr Miller was trying to arrest two men seen speeding on a stolen motorbike in December 2003.

They got inside his patrol car which Hales then reversed over the officer.

The second man - Maxwell Lancaster, 18, of Catford in London - was jailed for seven years for aggravated vehicle taking.