Dad Instructs Serious Injury Lawyers To Help Him Access Rehabilitation Following Collision

A cyclist has issued a road safety warning after being seriously injured by a hit and run driver who laughed at him before fleeing.

Simon Woodings suffered significant ankle fractures requiring extensive surgery when a driver hit him from behind and knocked him off his bike near the junction of the A5189 Evershed Way and Uxbridge Street in Burton-on-Trent.

The 43-year-old said the driver got out of his vehicle and laughed at him before fleeing the scene. Simon, a dad-of-one, was taken to hospital with a broken right foot. He spent around 10 days in hospital, undergoing surgery to insert three titanium plates and pins.

Following the collision, Simon, of Burton-on Trent, instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access the specialist rehabilitation he requires.

Simon is using Road Safety Week to reveal his ongoing battle to overcome his injuries.

Simon’s legal team are appealing for witnesses, or those with dash or helmet cam footage of the collision or its aftermath to come forward, to help ensure he receives the best rehabilitation package he can.

The collision, involving a silver Peugeot car happened at about 6pm on Sunday, 5 December, last year.

Expert Opinion

“The last few months have been incredibly difficult for Simon as he battles to overcome the serious injuries that he sustained.

Many months on he’s still in a lot of pain, is unable to walk very far and continues to struggle with his mobility.

Not only were the injuries Simon suffered bad enough but he also had to suffer the upset of the driver getting out of his vehicle and laughing at him as he lay on the ground in pain.

Simon is likely to require extensive, ongoing physiotherapy and other specialist rehabilitation and we’re determined to support him the best we can. Therefore we’re appealing for anyone who may have more information or footage of the collision, the moments leading up to it or its aftermath, to get in touch. Any detail could be key in helping us secure the ongoing rehabilitation Simon needs to overcome his injuries and get more of his life back.

We also hope his case acts as a warning to the consequences vulnerable road users such as cyclists can face because of the actions of others and the need for everyone to take care on the roads.”
Kelly Lingard, Serious Injury Lawyer

Following the collision, Simon said that a man, who may have been Latvian, stopped at the scene to help him before emergency services arrived.

The man took the bicycle round to Simon’s house as he lay in hospital.

Simon, who’s partner is named Leanne Alexander, aged 29 said: “One moment I was cycling along the road and the next thing I remember was something crashing into me and being on the ground.

“The next thing the pain kicked in and the driver got out of the car. Initially I thought they were going to see how I was but then he started laughing at me. As other people started to stop or come out of houses to see what was happening, he got back in the car and drove off.

“To this day I still don’t understand why anyone would be so cruel. It wasn’t a minor incident ; I was knocked off my bike and seriously injured.

“Before the collision I had started cycling to exercise and help lose weight and was really enjoying getting out on my bike. Now I’m still not right. I struggle to put weight on my foot and I find mobilising difficult following my accident. I haven’t been able to go out on my bike, not just because of my injuries, but also the psychological  impact of what happened.

“I remember a man, who I think was Latvian, stopped shortly after the collision and helped me. I would like to thank him and others who also helped me until the ambulance arrived. 

“The last few months have been incredibly stressful for me and it’s been difficult to accept what happened. I know I still face challenges in my recovery but it’s something I’m determined to focus on. Therefore, I’d be so grateful if anyone who had any information about the collision which will allow me to receive ongoing rehabilitation and support can help.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Kelly Lingard at Irwin Mitchell on Kelly.Lingard@irwinmitchell.com

Road Safety Week, organised by the charity Brake, runs from 14-20 November. This year’s theme is Safe Roads For All.  Find out more

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