Biker in Spinal injury after race

A 34 year old motorcycle racing enthusiast from Leeds who is now confined to a wheelchair is calling for witnesses to come forward after he crashed into another rider at the 2006 Scarborough Gold Cup race.

Bret Crossley from Rothwell in Leeds crashed during last year's race meeting while riding at over 100mph on the notoriously dangerous Oliver's Mount track in Scarborough, which is usually a public highway.

Mr Crossley was thrown from his bike and into a fence following a collision with another competitor. He landed unconscious sustaining a fractured skull, a badly broken leg and a spinal injury.

Mr Crossley is still unable to return to his work as a Bed Manager at St. James' Hospital in Leeds and now lives in the downstairs rooms of his Mother's house.

Mr Crossley said: It was a weekend of fun but the repercussions of the accident are still ongoing.

"I still can't walk; my mobility and my independence are permanently affected. I was in hospital for nine months and I am still not able to go back to my home. I will have to return to hospital soon for yet more therapy."

Jane Horton, Partner at law firm Irwin Mitchell, who is advising Mr Crossley following the accident, commented

"Whilst it is recognised that this is a potentially dangerous sport it is imperative that the riders and spectators are protected as far as is possible from harm.

"Despite repeated injuries and sometimes fatalities occurring at the race it is an annual event and will take place again this weekend starting on Saturday September 16th".

If anyone witnessed this accident on the 16th September 2006 please contact Jane Horton on 0113 3946770.

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal injury as a result of an accident that wasn't your fault, our specialist serious injury claims team can help you to claim compensation. See our Spinal Injury Claims page for more information.