Claudia Hoskins reveals mental health struggle, major accident

Bachelor hopeful Claudia Hoskins has revealed she once intentionally drove her car off the road after discovering her then-boyfriend was cheating on her last year.

Fans of the reality dating series will recall Hoskins telling the Bachelor Zac Franich a little-known fact about her was that she once broke 19 bones in an accident.

Without context, Franich took that as a sign that Claudia was something of a daredevil.

But speaking to Woman's Day, Hoskins said she was with her then-partner for 18 months and upon discovering online messages in which he bragged about the other women he'd been with, she flew into a state of rage, got in the car and left.

"I wasn't thinking about the consequences it would have on my family, my friends and my boyfriend - I just made a split decision in the moment. All I remember thinking was, 'How am I ever going to recover from this?'

"I didn't think I could ever be happy again and I didn't want to deal with the fallout of the relationship. I just wanted the moment to be done. So I saw power poles and went for it," Hoskins said.

Claudia with her fellow Bachelor contestants. Photo / Matt Klitcher

She was rushed to North Shore Hospital with breaks in her left arm, foot and collarbone, six crushed ribs, punctured lungs, a fracture in her spine and damage to her spleen and liver.

She spent two weeks there undergoing surgery on her lungs and collarbone and entered an extensive rehab programme.

Hoskins said the accident was a turning point in her life and ultimately made her a much stronger person, to the point where she felt ready to tackle The Bachelor.

Where to get help:

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (Mon-Fri 1pm to 10pm. Sat-Sun 3pm-10pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• Samaritans 0800 726 666
• If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.