Serious Injury Lawyers Instructed To Help 59-Year-Old In Claim Against MIB

A cyclist seriously injured in a hit and run crash is issuing a road safety warning to others.

Stephen Mead, from Stotfold, Hitchin, had been on a bike ride with friends and was cycling back home along Common Road when he was involved in a head-on collision with a car coming towards him.

Stephen, 59, was thrown from his bike and went over the car bonnet.  The driver did not stop at the scene and drove off before the emergency services arrived.

Stephen was taken to hospital by ambulance where he was found to have a fractured right arm. He underwent surgery on two occasions.  He also sustained a fracture to his right leg. 

He was discharged from hospital after three days.

Following the incident, Stephen instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him in his claim for compensation against the MIB. He continues to require specialist rehabilitation and therapies to maximise his recovery.

Ahead of Road Safety week, Stephen and his legal team are now issuing a warning to all road users to stay safe.  They’re also appealing for witnesses, or anyone with dash or helmet cam footage of the incident or its aftermath, to come forward to help ensure Stephen receives the best rehabilitation package possible.

The collision, involving a silver Ford Galaxy or S-Max with cloned registration plates YP17 HZK, happened at around 4.30pm on 2 January this year.

Expert Opinion

“The last 10 months have been tough for Stephen as he comes to terms with his injuries and how they’ve impacted his life.

“He continues to be affected by what happened that day both physically and mentally. What’s particularly distressing for him is that the driver, who had cloned registration plates, fled the scene selfishly and without consideration to the trauma they’ve caused Stephen.

“Therefore, we’re appealing to anyone who may have information on the collision. Any detail could be key in helping us identify the driver and secure damages for the ongoing treatment Stephen needs to overcome his injuries and move forward with his life.

“With Road Safety Week approaching, we’re also joining Stephen in urging all road users to take care.” Rita Alsoof - Solicitor

At the time of the incident, Stephen, an electronics technician, was wearing a helmet and hi-vis cycling jacket.  He also had lights on his bike.

He suffered a fracture to his arm and has subsequently undergone physiotherapy including hand therapy exercises.  He continues to suffer with symptoms in his right hand and has struggled with low mood and anxiety since the crash.

Stephen was signed off work for six weeks and he remains limited in what he can do in his job.  Doing lab work is more difficult and taking longer.

Stephen lives with his long-term partner, Michelle Morse, who has supported him at home.

He said: “I’ll never forget the image of the car coming towards me. I thought it was going to slow down and stop for me to get past, but it didn’t.

“I tried to get up on to the kerb but it was too late and I went flying over the bonnet. Someone who saw the crash said they thought the driver was speeding, but I can’t remember.

“The weeks that followed were incredibly difficult as I had fractured both my right arm and leg.  It made it almost impossible to move about and Michelle had to help me with a lot of tasks including washing my hair and getting me dressed. My arm subsequently refractured and I required more surgery.

“I’m now back at work but I find I can’t do as much as I used to. It frustrates and upsets me, but thankfully I have a very supportive team.

“Sadly, the driver of the car has never been found, so I’d be grateful if anyone who has any detail about that day to come forward.  At the minute, I’m stuck in limbo and I need some answers to be able to properly move forward with my recovery.

“I also hope that by sharing my story, I can make others aware of how dangerous the roads can be if you don’t put safety towards others first.”

Road Safety Week, organised by charity Brake, runs from 19 to 25 November.  Find out more at https://www.brake.org.uk/road-safety-week

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people access specialist support and rehabilitation following a road collision at our dedicated serious injury section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0808 303 8167.