Serious Injury Experts Supporting 54-Year-Old In Accessing Rehabilitation

A cyclist facing future total knee replacement surgery following a crash has received a six-figure settlement.

Ray Rawlings was cycling home from work when a Vauxhall Meriva crashed into him on a roundabout in Reading.

The 54-year-old was taken to hospital by ambulance. He was found to have sustained serious leg fractures. He was discharged after two days with his right leg in a cast, before returning to hospital around three weeks later for surgery.

Ray, of Reading, remained in hospital for three days, before returning home with crutches and told not to weight-bear for six weeks.

Fifty-four-year-old instructs lawyers at Irwin Mitchell

Following the crash, in June 2022, Ray instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access the specialist rehabilitation and support he requires.

He’s now sharing his story as part of this year’s Bike Week and says that while cycling should be celebrated, it’s also vital for all road users to stay safe on the roads.

Grandad advised he'll need total knee replacement in the future

It comes after Ray’s legal team secured him a six-figure settlement which will ensure he has access to further care and therapies. He’s also been advised he’ll need a total knee replacement in the future.

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

Expert Opinion

“Ray has spent the last three years coming to terms with the impact of his injuries, how his life has changed and what it means for the future.

“While he’s made remarkable progress with his recovery, he understandably remains concerned at the prosect of having to undergo major surgery down the line and the associated risks.

“We therefore hope that the settlement will help ensure he has access to the support he needs to maximise his recovery now and in the future.

“With cyclists being one of the most vulnerable road user groups, Ray is also keen to urge everyone to be observant and take care at all times. Sadly, his case acts as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences innocent people can be left to face as a result of the actions of others.” Peter Lorence

Road safety: Ray Rawlings' story

The crash happened at around 5pm on 22 June, 2022, when Ray was cycling around the roundabout at Norcot Road at the junction with Wigmore Land going towards Oxford Road.  He was wearing a helmet.

Following his surgery on 11 July, Ray underwent physiotherapy and personal training sessions.

That August he went on to develop an infection in his right leg for which he was prescribed antibiotics and had to have the area treated and dressed twice weekly.

Prior to the incident, Ray worked full-time as a yard foreman. His role involved lifting heavy bags of sand and cement, loading up pallets and carrying timbers, as well as a lot of walking and bending.

Because of his injuries he can now only work part-time and undertakes limited tasks such as helping out in the shop.

In his personal life, Ray, who used to cycle six miles to and from work every day, can no longer cycle outdoors.  He also struggles to go on long walks without taking regular breaks or look after his grandchildren on his own.

He lives with his wife, Claire, 50.

Ray speaks out on 'incredibly difficult' time for family

He said: “The past three years have been incredibly difficult, not just for me, but for my family.

“I’d always been generally fit, but I struggle a lot with my mobility now. I can’t cycle or even walk like I used to, and I’m constantly getting twinges of pain and stiffness in my knee and leg. I have relied greatly on my family and am very grateful for their support.

“To know that that’s not the end of any surgeries is very distressing, to the point where I get flashbacks of what happened. I even experience travel anxiety when I’m a passenger.

“It upsets me that I can’t easily enjoy playing with my grandchildren anymore, as spending time with my family is the most important thing to me. Being unable to lift my granddaughters, for example, has meant I have not felt like a proper grandparent.

“That my injuries were down to the actions of another person also makes me angry, but I know there’s nothing I can do to change it.  I just hope that by speaking out, I can encourage drivers to be safer around cyclists.  I wouldn’t want anyone else to suffer like I have and continue to do so.”

Bike Week 2025 is organised by Cycling UK and runs from 9 to 15 June.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people impacted by road traffic collisions at our dedicated section on the website. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or all 0370 1500 100.