Our expert Serious Injury team secured £2 million for a man who was left with a severe brain injury after being knocked off his bike on a main road.
In 2010, our client John was riding his bike along the A62 near Oldham. At 61, he was a keen cyclist, an activity he’d taken up to keep his diabetes in check. He worked as a self-employed estimator for an interior design company, and was still leading an active life.
As he was cycling along, a car pulled out in front of him unexpectedly from a side road and John was thrown from his bike. The accident left him in a coma. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and spent nine months in hospital and intensive rehab.
He was wearing his cycle helmet when the collision happened: he now visits his local Headway group and is passionate about campaigning for helmets to be made compulsory for everyone.
“I believe wearing a cycle helmet saved my life,” he said. “I’ve since been campaigning to try and make them compulsory for all. Anything that can be done to improve safety for cyclists is extremely important.”
The accident has altered John’s life completely: unable to work again, he’s now dependant on his wife, Elaine, who had to give up her job to look after him.
The driver admitted liability for the accident and we secured a significant figure that will allow John to continue with his rehabilitation and ensure that he has the support and care he needs for the rest of his life, allowing him to have the best possible quality of life and easing the burden on his wife.
Geraldine McCool, specialist serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, represented him.
She said: “This was a terrible accident and highlights how vulnerable cyclists can be on the roads. Drivers need to ensure they take more care in relation to vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians. As this accident shows cycling injuries can be extremely serious and have life-changing consequences so it is vital that all road users look out for each other as much as possible.”
John’s wife, Elaine said: “The settlement is a massive relief and a weight off our shoulders. We can now look to the future as we know that John’s care needs will be taken care of for the rest of his life.
“We know nothing will ever be the same again but at least now we have some comfort in knowing that we have the security provided by the settlement.”
If you or a loved one has been injured in cycling accident, our specialist cycling accident lawyers could help you claim compensation. Visit our Road Traffic Accident Compensation page for more information.
Back to Client Stories
