Cyclist And Legal Experts Mark Bike Week

A keen cyclist seriously injured in a road traffic accident in Cumbria has spoken out on how getting back on his bicycle has helped his recovery.

Ian McCrickard, from Egremont, Cumbria was driving his car on the A5086 when it was involved in a head-on collision with an oncoming vehicle in October 2018.  He lost consciousness and sustained severe orthopaedic injuries, as well as a minor head injury.

Ian, 47, and his two young sons, who were passengers in his car, had to be airlifted to hospital.  His sons sustained serious injuries themselves requiring several weeks in hospital. Ian remained in hospital for over seven weeks.

Following the accident, he instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate what happened and help him access specialist therapies to aid with his recovery.

Ian’s legal team went on to secure a rehabilitation package which included funding for an exercise bike.  This helped him increase the range of movement in his knees and also allowed him to revisit cycling, a hobby he enjoyed prior to the accident.

Ian is now joining with the legal experts to mark Cycling UK’s Bike Week, which runs from 6 to 14 June and showcases the benefits of the activity.

Expert Opinion

“The past 18 months have been incredibly difficult for Ian as he continues to recover from what was undoubtedly a terrifying ordeal.

Through our work, we sadly see many people seriously injured as a result of accidents on the roads. However, Ian is determined to battle through his injuries, aided by the support of his family.

Ian was a keen cyclist before he was involved in the collision, so it is fantastic to see him getting back to into it and also using it to assist his recovery with the help of specialist bikes.

With Bike Week upon us, Ian’s story is an important reminder on the benefits of cycling and what can be achieved when you set your mind to it.”
Adele Jepson - Solicitor

At the time of the accident, Ian’s initial injuries included an open fracture to his right shinbone, a fracture involving his left knee joint, lacerations to his fingers, and a cut to his right eyelid.  He also sustained a minor head injury.

In February 2019, he was also diagnosed with a muscle tear to his left shoulder and a fractured big toe that had been caused on the accident.

Ian, who used to enjoy going on long bike rides over the fells near his home, was understandably worried that he would be unable to continue cycling.  He cancelled a cycling holiday which was booked for the following year.

However, his lawyers successfully secured funds for a Wattbike exercise bicycle as the first stage of his rehabilitation.  In April 2020, he upgraded to an electric bicycle, which allows him to get out and work on his muscles and fitness levels.  It also means he can join his friends on bike rides.

Ian continues to be supported by his family, including his wife and sons.

Ian, a nuclear plant worker, said: “The injuries I suffered in the accident have had a lasting effect and I am still not back to how I was before, but I am getting better every day.

“When the accident happened, I was really worried that I would never be able to live normally again and enjoy the things I used to, but with the support of my loved ones, I have managed to get back into cycling

“At the start of my rehab process, I could only use an indoor bike, but I really missed my friends and the camaraderie. 

“Gradually I increased my fitness and I can now use my e-bike which means I can cycle outdoors with my friends, like I used to.  The bike helps me manage the hills and distance if I start struggling.

“While nothing will change what happened to me, I am glad to be on the road to recovery, and I believe the bikes have been a big help with this.”

Find out more on Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling serious injury cases