Cyclist Reveals Impact Collision Continues To Have On Life

A musician has revealed how she nearly lost her arm following a collision with a lorry and has backed planned changes to the Highway Code.

Laura Armstrong, a cellist from East London, suffered severe injuries to her right arm when she was involved in a collision with a lorry.

Laura was cycling in the cycle lane in Temple Mills Lane, Stratford, when a lorry driver turned left across the cycle lane, in order to turn into Leyton Road. The lorry collided with Laura and drove over her right arm.

The 23-year-old was taken to The Royal London Hospital where she underwent emergency surgery, inserting a vein graft into her arm to replace the main artery, which had been destroyed. Two days later, Laura underwent a further 11 hour operation which involved a nerve graft, two plates for a fracture and skin grafts from her right and left thighs. Laura is still undergoing significant treatment and has just undergone further surgery. 

Musician asks serious injury lawyers for help after cycling crash

As a result of her injuries, Laura was unable to continue with her master’s degree at the Royal College of Music and was forced to defer her place whilst she underwent rehabilitation. Laura instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help her access the specialist rehabilitation and therapies she requires.

The keen cyclist has now spoken for the first time about the impact the crash has had. She still fears her injuries will prevent her realising her dream of becoming a professional cellist. 

Cyclist backs planned changes to Highway Code

Laura, originally from Newcastle, has also joined her legal team at Irwin Mitchell in supporting the consultation on changes to The Highway Code. One of the proposals - under rule H3 - will require motorists to give priority to cyclists when the driver is turning in or out of a junction or changing direction or lane.

Expert Opinion

“Laura has faced an incredibly difficult time as she has attempted to come to terms with her injuries and the impact they’ve had on her life.

“The team at The Royal London did a fantastic job in saving Laura’s arm and while she has made progress in her recovery to date, she still faces many challenges ahead and will never regain full use of her arm.

“Given we represent people on a daily basis whose lives have been shattered as a result of death or serious injury on our roads, we support the proposed changes to The Highway Code as a welcome revision to assist all road users and improve road safety.

“We’re determined to support Laura so she can make the best possible recovery.” Anna Pask - Senior Associate Solicitor

Serious injury: Laura's story

As part of her music career, Laura has toured in Britain, Scandinavia and Singapore and has performed with world famous conductors and composers including Sir Mark Elder and the late Oliver Knussen. For a musician to sustain the injuries that Laura has is devastating. 

Laura was on her way to meet friends for lunch when the collision happened in October 2019.

She remained in hospital for 12 days after the incident and she underwent extensive treatment.

Laura said: “The crash happened so quickly. I was cycling in the cycle lane and suddenly the lorry turned directly across my path and I ended up under the lorry.

“I remember picking my arm up from the road and my fingers were white and wouldn’t move. There was blood on the road. It was terrifying and excruciatingly painful. I never imagined one could be in such pain.

“The surgeons told me they were very close to amputating my arm but they were amazing and managed to save it. As a musician, what they did for me goes beyond words and I will always be thankful.”

Serious injuries cyclist suffered in crash continue to affect her

She added: “What happened that day continues to affect me still, both physically and emotionally. The accident has had a huge impact on my ability to do everyday things, including having to learn to write with my left hand.

“I have very little feeling in my right hand and limited movement in my arm and my greatest challenge is not knowing what the future holds for my career and if I will be able to become a cellist. I have an incredible professor, Raphael Wallfisch, and the Royal College of Music has helped me throughout my recovery. Music is hugely important to me so I am determined to keep trying.”

Although Laura has not returned to cycling since the collision, she says: “Cycling is more popular than ever and is important to ensure people remain active. So it’s vital that everyone feels safe on the roads. The proposed changes to the Highway Code could definitely help.” 

Highway Code proposal

The proposed new Rule H3 sets out that drivers should not cut across cyclists going ahead, when turning into or out of a junction, or changing lane. This applies to cyclists using a cycle lane, cycle track or riding ahead on the road. Drivers should give way.

Irwin Mitchell is an associate member of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking.

Read more about the proposed changes to the Highway Code

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