Woman Who Was 37 Weeks Pregnant With Couple’s Third Son Asks Lawyers To Help Secure Futures Of Children Following Crash

A widow whose cyclist husband was killed in a head-on crash, while she was pregnant with their third child, has issued a road safety plea. 

Chris Carey was fatally injured when a Hyundai car crashed into him in Tamworth Road, Coventry, as he cycled to work. Chris’ bike was fitted with flashing cycle lights which were on at the time of the crash. 

The 38-year-old, of Keresley, Coventry, was taken to hospital with multiple injuries, but died hours later. 

At the time Chris’ wife Zoe was 37 weeks pregnant. She later gave birth to their third son, George. 

Zoe asks lawyers to help support family

Following her husband’s death, Zoe, aged 37, instructed expert road accident lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help her access the specialist support she requires and to secure the future of George, now aged three, and the couple’s other children Arthur, aged seven, and five-year-old Edward. 

Zoe has now joined her legal team at Irwin Mitchell in supporting Bike Week and warning of the dangers of people not paying attention on the roads. The driver previously pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

Expert Opinion

“Chris’ needless and tragic death has had a profound impact on everyone who knew him, particularly Zoe and her family who remain heartbroken by their loss.

“Sadly, through our work we see too often the devastating consequences families can be left to face through the dangerous actions of others on the roads. Nothing highlights this more vividly than what happened to Chris.

“Despite her ongoing grief Zoe continues to show tremendous courage. Her determination to help others by promoting the importance of road safety is inspirational.

“We continue to support Zoe to help her try to come to terms with her loss the best she can. However, we join her in urging all road users to take care at all times to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured.” Rebecca Hearsey

Road safety: Zoe and Chris Carey's story

Chris, a keen Derby County fan who grew up in South Derbyshire, was cycling to work when the crash happened at about 6.30am on 20 January, 2020. The Hyundai veered on to the wrong side of the road trying to overtake another vehicle, hitting Chris. 

Zoe said she was making breakfast for Arthur and Edward when police knocked on her door. 

She said: “The day Chris left the house was just like any other. We said goodbye and Chris left for work on his bike like normal. Then the next thing there was a knock on the door. It was still early and when I saw it was the police, I immediately knew something was wrong. 

“Despite this when they said Chris had been involved in a collision, I still couldn’t quite believe it or take it in.

“However, seeing Chris in hospital really did hit home. Chris was always a fighter but his injuries were so severe that he didn’t stand a chance and died just a few hours later.”

Family's road safety warning

Just weeks after Chris’ death Zoe gave birth to George. The family have since organised fundraising events, including a fun run, to raise money for the road safety charity Brake.

Zoe added: “It’s almost impossible to find the words to describe those first few weeks following Chris’ death. I was worried the stress of everything might affect George. It was such a bittersweet moment when he arrived. I was overjoyed after giving birth to George but devastated that Chris wasn’t here to experience it. 

“While it’s more than three years since Chris died the pain I feel is still as strong now as it was then. One of the hardest things to try and come to terms with is that he won’t get to see the boys grow up or celebrate life’s milestones such as them passing exams, starting work or getting married.

“Chris was such a kind, caring, funny and loving person. He will always be part of our family and the boys will grow up knowing how much he loved them and how proud he would be of them. 

“All I can do now is honour Chris’ memory by trying to find some good from all of this. The importance of road safety can’t be overstated. I want to do everything I can to spread the message when it comes to the need to take care on the roads. 

“I wouldn’t want others to feel the pain our family does.” 

In August 2021 the Hyundai driver pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving in connection with the collision. They were later sentenced to three years and two months in jail and were disqualified from driving for four years and nine months.

Bike Week runs from 5-11 June. It is organised by Cycling UK, which promotes the health and environmental benefits of cycling while campaign for improved safety.

Find out more about our expertise in supporting families affected by road collisions at our dedicated road traffic accident claims section. Alternatively to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.