Serious Injury Lawyers Help Account Sales Manager Access Rehabilitation

A keen cyclist from Upminster who suffered serious injuries when he was knocked off his bike has revealed he ‘can’t wait to enjoy cycling again.’

Ian Lammas, 55, was out on a bike ride near to his house when he was hit from behind by a mini cab.

He was taken to hospital by ambulance, where he underwent various scans and tests.  He was found to have sustained a catalogue of serious injuries including a bleed on the brain, broken ribs, spinal fractures and bruising.

He was discharged home from hospital after six days, but had to wear a back brace unless he was laying down for around eight weeks.

Following the incident in April 2021, Ian instructed serious injury experts at Irwin Mitchell to help him access the specialist rehabilitation and therapies he requires to maximise his recovery.

He’s now joining with his legal team in marking Cycling UK’s Bike Week by urging road users to take care at all times.  This comes after the insurers of the mini cab driver admitted liability and is helping to fund Ian’s rehabilitation.

Expert Opinion

“Ian has spent the past year trying to get his life back on track after suffering serious injuries when he was hit and knocked off his bike.

Through early access to rehabilitation, he’s made huge strides in his recovery and we’ll continue to support him however we can.

In the meantime, Bike Week is the perfect opportunity for Ian to share his story to raise awareness of the consequences road users can be left to face due to the actions of others.

Welcome changes to the Highway Code have also been introduced this year to try and protect vulnerable road users such as cyclists more. We join Ian in urging road users to remain safe at all times.”
Matthew Smith - Associate Solicitor

On 30 April, 2021, Ian was cycling in Ockenden Road, only five minutes from his house. A mini cab joined the road from a junction behind Ian before driving into the back of him.

Prior to the crash, Ian enjoyed keeping fit and taking part in mini triathlons. He also worked as an account sales manager, a role which he had been in for around 20 years and involved a lot of travelling and face-to-face meetings.

Following the crash, however, he was limited in what he could do, particularly while wearing the back brace. He was unable to drive and even do any household chores for the first few months due to the strain on his back.  As a result, he relies heavily on his wife, Paula, 53.

He returned to work in June 2021, carrying out reduced duties, but continues to suffer from pain and discomfort.  He also struggles with his memory, particularly around the time of the incident, and has experienced bouts of vertigo.

Although Ian’s injuries have an ongoing impact, he has seen his condition improve thanks to physiotherapy for back, pelvis and shoulder issues.  However, he still avoids heavy lifting and has not yet returned to cycling.  He also had access to a chartered ergonomist to assess and advise on his posture while working and driving etc.

Ian and Paula have two children, Mary, 18, and Daniel, 15.

He said: “The crash is still a bit of a blur.  I remember being hit from behind, but I can’t remember exactly how I came off my bike.  At the time, I was wearing clip-on shoes on my pedals and I think they bike may have gone up in the air with me still attached to it and then I’ve gone over the handlebars.

“It’s more than a year since the incident, but I’m still suffering from issues with my back.  I hope that this will resolve soon as I continue with the physiotherapy.

“I’ve not been cycling since that day as I don’t feel ready physically yet and there’s some anxiety when I think about getting back on a bike.

“However, I feel like I am slowly improving with each day that passes and can’t wait for the day that I can enjoy cycling again.  I’ve also had such great support from friends and family, so I’m determined to get back to how I was before.

“All I want now is to urge others to stay safe on the roads as I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through what I have.”

Organised by Cycling UK, Bike Week runs from 6 to 12 June.  This year’s theme is about encouraging people to get out and enjoy their community by bike, with Cycling UK continuing to campaign for improved safety for cyclists.  Discover more 

Irwin Mitchell also recently contributed to the Government’s Highway Code consultation. Find out more information and how new rules affect all road users

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