Lawyers Secure Admission Of Liability In Relation To Collision

A former motorsports mechanic left paralysed following a serious road traffic collision almost three years ago has edged closer to gaining justice regarding the life-changing incident, after lawyers secured an admission of liability from the driver involved.

Experienced motorcyclist and director of Zest Events Europe Ltd, John Adams, 54, from Brighton, was on his way to work at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in June 2016 when a car travelling in the opposite direction on Kennel Hill turned across the road in front of him. 

Unable to avoid the vehicle, John collided with it and was then catapulted into a wall. He suffered catastrophic spinal injuries as a result of the crash and despite extensive treatment he is now paralysed from the chest down.

Following the devastating incident, John and his family instructed specialist serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access vital funds to support his recovery and rehabilitation.  

The legal experts have already helped John secure significant interim payments which have assisted with treatment and extensive adaptations to his home. They have also taken a major step towards justice by gaining an admission of liability from the solicitors for the driver involved in the incident, confirming the driver’s responsibility for the accident.

However, due to the three-year time limit for commencing court proceedings, the lawyers have now issued proceedings in the High Court. 

Tracey Storey, the Partner and serious injury expert at Irwin Mitchell’s London office who is representing John, said: 

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“John’s accident highlights the truly devastating impact that road traffic collisions can have, with our client suffering terrible life-changing injuries in this crash almost three years ago.

“It has been a long and complex legal battle so far, but we are delighted to have finally gained an admission of liability from the defendant involved.

“While we are now focused on bringing this case to a conclusion and securing justice for our client, we also want to take this opportunity to remind road users that safety should always be their priority. As this case shows, failing to take care on the roads can have massive consequences.” Tracey Storey - Partner

John, a former chief mechanic for world rally champion Carlos Sainz Sr, was taken to Southampton General Hospital by air ambulance following the crash and diagnosed with a complete spinal cord injury at his T3 and T4 vertebrae and multiple fractures.

He was then transferred to Salisbury District Hospital before moving on to the specialist Spinal Injuries Unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, where he underwent surgery and rehabilitation including physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. He was eventually discharged home in February 2017.

The incident meant John and his fiancée Sue had to postpone their wedding for a year, while he was only able to return to his role as owner of Zest Events Europe Ltd in a reduced capacity in February 2017. 

Discussing his experiences, John said: “The crash was completely devastating and I had to quickly come to terms with the heartbreaking fact that nothing would ever give me the use of my legs back.

“I have, however, been fortunate to have a great team around me who are brilliantly and diligently supporting my recovery, as well as the unwavering support of my family and friends. It was very emotional to finally be able to marry Sue in September 2017 after everything we had both been through.

“The interim payments secured by Irwin Mitchell have helped me greatly, giving me access to vital support, enabling me to adapt my home and also allowing me to trial new technologies, such as exoskeletons. However, news of the admission is undoubtedly very welcome.

“It has been a long fight but concluding this legal battle will mean I can look more positively to the future and maintain an absolute focus on simply getting the best from life. I also hope that my story will encourage motorists to always take absolute care when out on the road.”

Read about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in serious injury cases.