Experienced Biker Sustained Fatal Injuries In Collision With Bus

The devastated widow of a Cardiff motorcyclist fatally injured when he was hit by a bus has revealed how her future with her husband has been “ripped away.”

Father-of-two David Walker had stopped at a red traffic light on the A469 Caerphilly Road in Cardiff when he was knocked off his motorbike by a bus in October 2017. 

Following his death, aged 48, David’s wife Sarah, 51, instructed a law firm to help investigate what happened.  She then asked expert road accident lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to take over the case.

Since then, Irwin Mitchell has secured a settlement for Sarah and her daughters to help them access the support they require as they continue to try and come to terms with what they have been through.

The family are now joining with their legal team to speak out about their heartbreaking loss. They are also urging people to be considerate and aware on the roads at all times.

Expert Opinion

“More than three years on from the collision, David’s family are still struggling to come to terms with losing him so tragically.

It’s incredibly difficult for Sarah and her daughters to move forward with their lives without him, and their case is a stark reminder of the devastating impact that crashes can have on families. Sadly, this is something we’re all too familiar with through our work.

While nothing can bring David back, we’re pleased to have secured a settlement for his loved ones, which will hopefully help them get their lives back on track as best they can.”
Justina Molloy - Legal Director

Experienced motorcyclist David was stationary at traffic lights on the A469 Caerphilly Road in Cardiff when a bus collided with the rear of his motorbike on 17 October 2017. He died at the scene.

At the time of his death, David was an inspector with The Planning Inspectorate in England.  He had been married to Sarah for 19 years.  The couple have two daughters, Rose, now 20, and Annie, now 16.

David had ridden a motorbike for 20 years on which he had toured Europe and the UK. He had completed a Bike Safe skills workshop with Gwent Police and had downloaded the ROSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders Test Guidance just a week before he was killed. He had ridden mountain and pedal cycles all of his life, competitively and recreationally. 

Sarah said: “David made considered judgements in all aspects of his life. He chose his motorcycle because of its upright position and the excellent road view it allowed.  It was a large motorcycle which gave him a tremendous road presence”

She added: “It’s still incredibly difficult to accept that he is no longer here.”

“Before David died, I worked full-time as a teacher, but I reduced my hours in order to support Rose and Annie, who understandably struggled with losing their father so suddenly.

“Our lives have been shattered, I have lost my partner of 28 years and with him the future we had planned. My children have lost their father far too early, currently they are dealing with the immediate grief of his physical absence. They cannot imagine the pain that will accompany key life events of their future where he will not be present.

“We miss his wisdom, his humour, his compassion, his support and his love.”

The driver of the bus was prosecuted and given a 20-week custodial sentence suspended for one year, along with a 12 month curfew.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling road accident cases