Serious Injury Lawyers Secure Payment To Help Fund Dad’s Rehabilitation

A motorcyclist has issued a road safety warning after being seriously injured when a car turned into his bike. 

John Websdale was on his way to work, travelling along Brown Lane West in Holbeck, Leeds, when a motorist travelling in the opposite direction turned right across the road hitting him. 

The 59-year-old was thrown from his Honda CB125 bike. John, of Alwoodley, Leeds, suffered multiple fractures including a double break to his right leg, broken left leg and fractured left wrist. The dad-of-two also suffered a degloving injury where skin was ripped from his lower right leg.

Passers-by, including colleagues form John’s nearby work, came to his aid. 

John, who is also chair of Leeds Buddhist Centre, was taken to hospital where he spent more than two weeks and underwent several operations.   

John asks lawyers to help him access rehab

Following the collision, John, an office manager, instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access the specialist rehabilitation he requires. The legal experts have secured John an early interim payment to fund his rehab. 

The dad-of-two has now spoken for the first time about the impact the crash has had on his life. He’s joined his legal team in supporting Road Safety Week and warning of the consequences of careless driving. 

Peter Lorence is the expert serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, representing John.

Expert Opinion

“The last few months and trying to come to terms with the collision and its effect have been incredibly difficult for John and his family.

“What happened to John is a stark reminder of the consequences innocent road users, especially more vulnerable ones such as cyclists and motorcyclists, can be left to face because of the careless actions of others.

“While John faces challenges to overcome his injuries, this interim payment, meaning he has access to early rehab, will be key in helping him make the best recovery possible.

“In the meantime, we join John in supporting Road Safety Week. We urge drivers to Think Bike and keep a particular eye out for motorcyclists.” Peter Lorence

Serious injury: John Websdale's story

The crash happened at around 9.20am on 3 June. It was not until paramedics arrived and removed John’s right motorbike boot that the extent of his injuries was known. A trauma doctor had to be contacted for advice because of the severity of John’s fractures. 

He was taken to Leeds General Infirmary. John underwent several operations, including to repair his fractures. He also underwent skin grafts where skin was taken from the top of his right leg. He was allowed home on 18 June. 

Motorcyclist seriously hurt in crash reveals how injuries have affected his life

John, who has two children, Oliver and Megan, aged 27 and 23, with wife, Paula, age 51, continues to attend follow up appointments, including with plastic surgeons. 

He said: “The day was just a normal day when suddenly and without any warning the car just turned into my bike. I don’t know if I lost consciousness, but I remember being on the ground and being in searing pain which was getting worse. Everything else is a bit of a blur because of the pain. 

“While I spent two weeks in hospital and underwent multiple operations that was just the start of it. Once home I continued to suffer with problems and pain. I went from being independent to being more reliant on my family. 

“Beforehand I used to run and cycle, would walk the dog, enjoy gardening and going to Leeds Rhinos. However, I can’t do much of the things I used to enjoy because of the pain. I walk with a limp in my right leg, have restricted movement in my right ankle and my leg swells after just walking short distances. 

“The doctors have said I can’t run because of the pressure it would put my leg under and I’ve been told I’m now at risk of developing arthritis.

“The support I’ve had from those around me, especially Paula and the kids, has been great. I just hope that by sharing my story, people realise the aftermath people can be left to face because of poor decisions on the roads and not taking enough care.”

The driver of the car which crashed into John was fined £680 and banned from driving for 12 months. They pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless driving.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people seriously injured on the roads at our dedicated road traffic collision claims section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.

Road Safety Weeks runs from 16-22 November and is organised by road safety Brake. For more information visit the Brake website.