Police Officer Instructs Lawyers To Help Him Access Support and Rehabilitation

A police officer from Merseyside has spoken of his determination to rebuild his life after he was hit by a car while responding to a hit and run incident.

Phil Jones, 39, was attending a crash involving a cyclist on Northway, Maghull on 27 December 2023 on the northbound side of the carriageway, when he was hit by a Ford Kuga.

The car had performed a U-turn, cutting across the central reservation from the southbound carriageway. The northbound road had been closed to traffic as a result of the earlier hit and run incident and the driver, ignoring the police cordon in place, collided with Phil.

Phil, from St Helens, was taken to hospital, where he was found to have sustained a multitude of serious injuries, including an open fracture of the right elbow, a dislocated left shoulder, injuries to his left knee and lower left leg, resulting in ongoing numbness and psychological trauma.

Thirty-nine-year-old instructs serious injury lawyers to help him access rehabilitation

Following the crash, Phil instructed specialist serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access the specialist treatment and ongoing rehabilitation he requires to aid his recovery.

At a hearing on 8 August 2025, the driver was jailed for 28 months.  He previously pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving.  He was also previously found guilty of driving a vehicle whilst unfit through drugs and driving a motor vehicle on a road with eyesight which did not comply with requirements.

Phil has now spoken of his determination to rebuild his life and joined his lawyers in warning others to take care on the roads.

Claudia Arends is the serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell supporting Phil. 

Expert Opinion

“The last 18 months have proved incredibly traumatic and challenging for Phil and his wife, as they have come to terms with the impact of his injuries on their lives.

“Phil’s rehabilitation is progressing well and while he’s determined to rebuild his life and physical fitness, it is likely that there will be a long-term impact and the mental scars of such incidents can be lifelong.

“We’re determined to support Phil as he embarks on the next stage of his recovery and looks to what the future holds. This incident is yet another reminder of the devastation collisions like this can leave in their wake and for people to take care and stay safe on our roads.” Claudia Arends

Road traffic collision: Phil Jones' story

The collision happened at around 7.20am on 27 December 2023, when Phil was responding to an earlier hit and run incident, which had closed the northbound side of the carriageway.

The driver of a Ford Kuga on the southbound carriageway cut across the central reservation to perform a U-turn, ignoring the police cordon as he drove up the closed northbound carriageway before colliding with Phil.

Phil spent the next two days in hospital. He is still recovering from his injuries more than 18 months later, and his ongoing symptoms continue to impact his daily life.

The accident has also had a huge impact on Phil’s wife, Alison, who has provided much needed care and support to Phil while he has been recovering from his injuries and subsequent surgeries.

Phil speaks out on injuries and coming to terms with "a new reality"

Phil said: "The day of the accident is one I’m never likely to forget. The last thing you expect to see when the road is closed is a vehicle approaching you. There was no time to react and I knew my injuries were serious as soon as the collision happened.

“The worry my family and I have been put through as a result of my injuries has been life changing. I’m still undergoing rehabilitation and while I’m still determined to recover physically, I’m not sure the emotional scars of such an incident can ever leave you.

“I went from being fit and healthy and doing a job I loved, to wondering what the future holds for me and our family.

“You have to come to terms with a new reality but the support I’ve received has been vital and encourages me every day towards that goal of making as strong a physical recovery as I can.

“I know things could have been much worse, but that is little consolation, when what you want most of all is your old life back. I just hope my story goes some way to making people stop and think about the terrible consequences that can result from not taking care on the roads.”

Police issue statement after driver sentenced

Temporary Detective Sergeant Christine Bennett, Lead Investigating Officer from Merseyside Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit has said: “We acknowledge the sentencing given to Mr Ainscough today in court. Our thoughts remain very much with Constable Jones and his family.  The injuries he suffered on that day were needless and entirely avoidable.  After a stay in hospital and many months of recovery, he still faces the prospect of future operations.”

The driver, 62-year-old Richard Ainscough, was sentenced to 28 months in prison.  He was also disqualified from driving for two years and will be required to undertake an extended retest.

Support available

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people affected by road collisions at our dedicated road traffic accident section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0808 271 1448.