Settlement Ensures Retired IT Manager Has Access To Rehabilitation And Prosthetic Limb

A motorcyclist who had his right leg amputated following a head-on crash has received a significant settlement.

Vince Ferran was riding his motorbike in Long Preston, North Yorkshire, when a car veered onto the wrong side of the road and hit him.  He was taken to hospital where he was found to have sustained severe injuries to his right leg, along with fractures to his right hip and right hand.

He went on to require an above the knee amputation.

Serious injury lawyers instructed by dad-of-two

Following the crash, in May 2024, Vince instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access the specialist rehabilitation and support he requires.

His legal team secured funding from the car driver’s insurers for Vince’s admission to STEPS Rehabilitation, and a subsequent settlement which has provided him with further therapies and a prosthetic leg.

Vince, 74, has now spoken for the first time about how he hopes his settlement will allow him to regain more of his independence.

It comes after the driver of the car was sentenced at Harrogate Magistrates’ Court on 23 May. He had previously pleaded guilty to the charge of causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving.

Peter Lorence is the specialist serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Vince.

Expert Opinion

“The past year has been incredibly difficult for Vince and his family as they come to terms with the severity of his injuries and how their lives have changed following the crash.

“While Vince has made great progress with his recovery, particularly following his admission to STEPS, he’ll undoubtedly face many challenges as a result of his amputation.

“We’re therefore pleased to have secured him a substantial settlement, ensuring he has access to the rehabilitation he needs to maximise his recovery.

“Nothing will change what’s happened, but we hope that Vince’s case acts as a stark reminder of the need for road users to stay safe at all times and highlights the devastating consequences innocent people can be left to face due to the actions of others.

“We’d also like to thank Day One Trauma Support for their help, supporting Vince and his family after the crash." Peter Lorence

Amputation: Vince Ferran's story

The crash took place on Main Street in Long Preston on 10 May, 2024, at about 2.15pm.

Prior to the incident, Vince, a retired IT manager, was a passionate motorcyclist. He enjoyed riding, as well as restoring motorcycles in his garage. Due to the nature of his injuries, Vince will struggle to resume these hobbies now. With further rehabilitation and the use of his prosthetic leg, along with adaptations to his home, he hopes to access his garage once again and complete the restoration of his vintage Sachs motorcycle.

Following Vince’s amputation, to facilitate his return home, the couple have already made various adaptations to their home.

He’s also hoping that his prosthetic leg will help him mobilise enough to start walking his two golden retrievers – Matilda and Nellie - on the moorlands again and also enable him to drive an adapted car.

Vince and Jackie have two adult children – Victoria, 36, and James, 32.

Vince reveals he won't let injury 'define' him

Vince said: “It’s felt like an incredibly long year as I’ve spent most of it in and out of hospital and rehabilitation centres.

“My whole life changed after the crash, as it took away so much of my independence.  It’s not just me that’s affected; I now rely on Jackie for so much.

“When I was first told I had to undergo an amputation, I was devastated, but over time I’ve decided I’m not going to let it define me or stop me from getting the most out of life.

“What happened to me was down to the actions of another person, and I still feel angry about that. However, I can’t change what happened and no sentence will make up for what I’ve been through.

“I just hope that by speaking out, I can urge others to take care on the roads and also show that even though I suffered life-changing injuries, there’s help and support out there – you don’t have to go through it alone.”

The driver of the car was handed a 16-week sentence, suspended for two years.  He also had his licence revoked for two years and will need to undergo an extended test before he can drive again.

Support available

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting patients who have lost a limb following a road traffic accident at our dedicated amputation claims section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.