Man Joins Legal Team In Supporting Road Safety Week

A dad seriously hurt when an overtaking driver ploughed into his car has spoken for the first time about the crash and how he’s ‘lucky to be alive.’

Jason Ellis-Fallen, of Chesterfield, suffered a catalogue of injuries including a broken and dislocated hip, fractured eye socket and fractured kneecap as well as a broken elbow and broken ankle when his Kia car was hit by a Volvo on a country lane.

The Volvo driver was on the wrong side of the road trying to overtake another car on the brow of a hill. When the Volvo driver saw Jason’s car he tried to pull on to the correct side of the road but hit the other vehicle before a head to head collision with Jason’s Kia.

Jason’s stepson, Logan Ellis-Fallen, who was in the back of his car, also suffered an eye injury. He required five weeks off school.

Jason, 47, was transferred to hospital where he underwent several operations and spent nearly seven weeks as an inpatient.

Following the crash in Woodthorpe Road, Mastin Moor, Jason instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access the specialist rehabilitation and therapies he requires.

He has now joined his legal team at Irwin Mitchell in using Road Safety Week to urge motorists to take care at all times.

Expert Opinion

“Jason’s case vividly highlights the terrible consequences that innocent road users can face because of the dangerous actions of others.

“Jason has made great progress in his recovery through accessing rehabilitation early in his case. However, his extremely serious injuries continue to have a huge impact on him and his family and he still faces many challenges ahead.

“We’re continuing to support Jason to help him make the best possible recovery he can. We join him in calling on drivers to take care on the roads at all times.” Liz Whitehead - Team Leader & Senior Associate

Jason suffered a dislocated and fractured right hip and pelvis, fractured right eye socket and right elbow fracture as well as a fractured left knee and ankle in the collision which happened on 2 November, 2017. He also suffered an abdominal muscle tear when his leg bone was pushed up through his abdomen and significant bruising.  

Following the accident, Jason had to have titanium bars with metal screws inserted into his pelvis and elbow.

The third car caught up in the crash, a Toyota, ended up in a hedge.

Jason was transported to Northern General Hospital where he underwent surgery before he was transferred to Chesterfield Royal Hospital. Jason was allowed home on 22 December, 2017.

Jason, who is married to Caroline 41, is still undergoing tests to confirm whether he also suffered a brain injury in the crash.

He is also receiving support from Irwin Mitchell’s Asset Management team to help him plan for the future.

Jason, who wanted to train to become a personal trainer before the crash, said: “I didn’t see anything ahead and then just I went over the hill there was an explosion and I knew I’d been in a crash.

“The fire brigade and police said we needed to get out of the car because there was a lot of petrol on the floor. I remember getting dragged out but the pain was so bad I passed out.”

Jason added: “The last three years have been the hardest of my life.

“Before the crash I was fit and active and I used to really enjoy the gym and going out with friends and family.

“Now I’m often in pain. In a morning my joints are very stiff and it takes me a while to get going and I hobble around.

“The most worrying for me is that the full extent of my injuries is still not known.

“My life has totally changed but I also know I’m lucky to still be alive. If I hadn’t have been as fit and healthy I don’t think I would’ve survived.

“Physio sessions have made a huge difference to my recovery. A major moment for me was getting back in the gym. My fitness levels and strength are nowhere near what they used to be but me and Caroline now go to the gym together and encourage each other.

“I can’t thank Caroline and the rest of the family enough for all the care and support they have given me since the crash.

“While I’m uncertain what the future may hold I’m determined to try and make the best recovery possible.

“However, I just hope that speaking out people realise the damage they can cause by driving dangerously I wouldn’t want anyone to go through what I’ve had to.”

In 2018 the Volvo driver pleaded guilty to two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He received a 14 month jail term suspended for 24 months, 240 hours’ unpaid work and a six-month curfew. 

Road Safety Week, organised by the charity Brake, runs from 16-22 November.

Find out more about our expertise in helping people following road crashes at our dedicated serious injury section. Alternatively to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.