Dundee motorcyclist left with life-changing injuries and PTSD after driver turned across his path

A Dundee motorcyclist who suffered life-changing injuries when a driver turned across his path and knocked him off his bike says he is determined to continue rebuilding his life following the collision.

The incident took place on the A933 near Friockheim on 26 October 2024. At the time, Duane Barbour, 59, was riding his BMW motorcycle southbound from Brechin towards Arbroath when a silver Vauxhall Astra travelling in the opposite direction turned right across his path and collided with him.

The driver of the Astra admitted causing serious injury by careless driving and was disqualified from driving for 12 months along with a £520 fine.

Duane sustained a punctured lung, fractured ribs, multiple broken bones in his right leg and broken bones in his left shoulder.

The former plant operator was taken to hospital where he underwent extensive treatment. He spent two weeks in the intensive care unit and two weeks in the trauma care ward. During this time, Duane was also found to have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the crash.

He instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell Scotland to help him access specialist rehabilitation and support. He received physiotherapy, chiropody, access to a gym and personal trainer. He also received support from Irwin Mitchell Scotland’s welfare advice team and the law firm obtained interim payments for him which enabled him to recover lost earnings and access psychological treatment.

Duane, a dad-of- one, is now using Road Safety Week to speak for the first time about the impact the collision has had on his life. He has joined his legal team in issuing a road safety warning.

Rachel Brown, the specialist serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell Scotland representing Duane, said: 

“Duane's injuries have had a profound impact on his life, and while he has made significant progress with his recovery over the last two years, he continues to face ongoing challenges.

 

“As well as his physical injuries, Duane is also having to navigate through a diagnosis of PTSD which reinforces how much the collision has affected him.

 

“His experience demonstrates how specialist rehabilitation is vital in helping seriously injured people maximise their recovery. We were able to support Duane in accessing the therapies he needed to help him regain as much independence as possible and get his life back on track.

 

“It also serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences that innocent people can be left to face when drivers fail to take proper care on the roads.”

Duane continues to suffer from pain as well as restricted mobility. Despite his determination and resilience in returning to work, his ongoing struggles affected his role which involved carrying out heavy physical tasks.  As a result, he took an office-based role.

Duane said: “That day my life completely changed in an instant. I have no recollection of the collision itself. My only memory of the accident is looking down at a silver bonnet, which I believe was as I was thrown from my bike and across the car.

“My recovery has been long and hard going.  Some days were particularly difficult, when I was  struggling both physically and emotionally.  Some days I couldn’t even stand up properly without help, and that was really upsetting.

“During these times, I’ve been so grateful to have my family by my side, especially my partner Nathalie, who reminds me that I’m getting better everyday.

“I know I’ll probably never be back to my old self 100%, but I’m continuing to work incredibly hard on rebuilding my life with the support I’ve had.

“I just hope that if by sharing my story, it makes even one person think twice and take more care on the roads, then it will be worth it."

Duane said: “Knowing that the driver was 78 at the time has also made me think much more about road safety and older drivers. I believe there should be greater awareness and consideration of whether the current rules provide enough safeguards to ensure people remain fit to drive as they get older.

“If speaking about what happened to me can help make the roads safer for others, then I think that is important.”

Road Safety Week, organised annually by the charity Brake, highlights the importance of safer roads and reducing the devastating impact of road collisions on communities across the UK.

Duane's experience echoes findings from Irwin Mitchell's The Recovery Gap research, which highlights the long-lasting physical, emotional and financial consequences many seriously injured road users face, together with the importance of early access to rehabilitation and support.