Man Reveals Impact Of Serious Brain And Internal Injuries He Suffered In Crash On Porcelanosa Roundabout

A motorist seriously injured in a crash on a major route has revealed how his “life will never be the same again.” 

John Tunbridge suffered a number of life-changing injuries, including a brain and internal injuries as well as a crushed pelvis, when his vehicle was hit by a car on the A34 Stratford Road, in Shirley, near Solihull. 

The 67-year-old spent six weeks in an induced coma and also underwent major surgery to repair his bowel. He has been left with a stoma and very severe leg injuries leaving his mobility severely compromised.  He also sustained a serious head injury leaving him with a poor short term memory and a range of other cognitive problems.  

Driver asks lawyers for help after suffering brain injury in crash

Following the crash, which happened moments after three motorists had been following each other at high speed and in a convoy, John, originally from Dundee and formerly of Dickens Heath, instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate and help him access the specialist rehabilitation and therapies he requires. 

John, who is single and retired, has now spoken for the first time about his relief at hearing that all three drivers pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and were sentenced.    

This has allowed John to put this chapter behind him and focus on accessing the specialist rehabilitation and support that he needs. He is also warning of the consequences of dangerous driving. 

Lawyers secure payment to fund motorist's rehabilitation

John’s legal team at Irwin Mitchell has also secured him an interim payment from the insurers of the driver who crashed into his car to enable him to pay for the specialist support and rehabilitation that he needs. 

Expert Opinion

“Sadly through our work we too often see the consequences that dangerous driving can have on other road users. John’s case is just the latest example of this.

“John has made good progress in his recovery but still faces many challenges. While nothing can make up for the pain and suffering John has suffered, the admission of fault and the interim payment are major milestones in allowing John to focus on accessing the specialist care and rehabilitation that he needs to maximise his recovery. We’ll continue to support him and his family so he can make the best possible recovery from his life-changing injuries.

“We would like to thank West Midlands Police for its thorough investigation into this incident and the incredible support that John and his family have received from its Family Liaison Officer.

“We also hope this case acts as a warning to others who think it’s acceptable to break the law about the need to take care on the roads at all times.” Hilary Wetherell - Partner

The incident happened at about 11.30pm on 18 July, 2019, on the roundabout by the Porcelanosa tile store.  

John’s red Audi A3 had just pulled on to the roundabout from Marshall Lake Road when a black Ford Fiesta driven by James Walters approached the roundabout at speed.  

Moments later the vehicles collided. 

In the lead up to the crash Walters had been driving in convoy with a grey BMW being driven by Daniel Tandy and a black Audi A1 being driven by then 17-year-old Jack Coyne. 

Walters and the two others had been travelling at speed for around 1.4 miles before the collision.   Their driving and speeding was captured on various cameras as they travelled out of Birmingham city centre on the A34 Stratford Road.  Officers determined Walters speed to be approximately 62 mph moments before the crash.  The speed limit on that road is 30mph.

Client reveals impact of brain and internal injuries

After the hearing John, a former IT officer, said: “Fortunately I have no recollection of the collision.  I have had to piece together what happened from evidence I have seen and heard.  The collision happened in a split second but the effects of what happened are still with me. Life will never be the same again.
 
“I’m no longer the person I used to be. I enjoyed a happy retirement in the Midlands and used be active and enjoyed going out and meeting my friends but these injuries have left me very isolated.  

“I have to rely heavily on a wheelchair as I sustained very serious injuries to my pelvis and legs.  I will need to see if I can learn to drive again.  My internal injuries were so severe that I now have a stoma.  I am hoping that this can be reversed.  

“My family has been amazing and have travelled from Dundee to support me when it has been able to. The collision has affected us all and it has been very difficult to adjust. 

Man hurt in crash issues road safety plea

“Despite my injuries I want to try and remain as positive as possible and try and make the most of life. 

“I just hope that by speaking out people realise the physical and emotional hurt and pain they can cause others by dangerous driving and they understand the need to take care. 

“The sentencing is a major milestone for me. I now feel that I can try and look ahead rather than dwell on the past and focus on my recovery.” 

Walters, 18, of Yardley Wood, Birmingham, and Tandy, 23, of Highters Heath, Birmingham, were jailed for 18 months and 20 months respectively.

Coyne, 18, of Kings Norton, Birmingham, was jailed for three years for his role in the crash as well as other offences. 

A fourth person also received a suspended sentence after previously pleading guilty to perverting the course of justice.

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