Case Highlights Devastating Consequences Of Speeding, Expert Lawyer Warns

A cyclist who suffered life-changing injuries when he was struck by a speeding motorist before landing head first on a pavement has spoken of his relief after expert lawyers secured him a vital rehabilitation package.

Barry Hammond, from Godalming in Surrey, had to be resuscitated on the side of the road in Milford following the collision in February 2012 before being flown to the Royal London Hospital by Air Ambulance for treatment. His injuries included a fractured collarbone, six broken ribs, collapsed lung, a fractured shoulder, broken leg and 28 stitches to wounds on his face.

After being forced to give up his job as a forklift truck driver due to his injuries, and initially needing help with day-to-day care, the 41-year-old instructed serious injury experts at law firm Irwin Mitchell to help him gain access to specialist support.

The motorist’s insurers admitted liability after he was found guilty of driving without due care and attention in June 2012. He was ordered to pay £285 damages, £85 costs and received six points of his licence.

The admission of liability paved the way for Irwin Mitchell to secure interim payments of £17,000 to cover treatment costs and lost earnings. This week (2 July) the case concluded with a six figure out-of-court settlement agreed for continuing treatment, funds for on-going rehabilitation such as physiotherapy and to ensure his future is financially stable.

Natasha Fairs, is a serious expert from Irwin Mitchell’s London office representing him.

Expert Opinion

Barry is lucky to be alive because of the driver’s actions which highlight the devastating consequences speeding can have. Speeding to cut a journey time by a couple of minutes is not worth risking someone else’s life.

“The injuries Barry suffered will affect his life for a long time and he needs intensive rehabilitation to help combat them. He has been left devastated at being unable to return to the job and has struggled to come to terms with the fact that he will not be able to work in an active role again.

“We hope that the settlement will now help him to concentrate on rebuilding his life with help from continuing rehabilitation so that he can try and move on from his horrific ordeal.”
Natasha Fairs - Senior Associate Solicitor

Barry added: “The last two and a half years have been incredibly difficult and frustrating because the injuries I suffered had such a severe impact on all aspects of my life.

“I had to move in with my dad for three months after leaving hospital as I needed help with basic tasks such as washing and getting dressed. Thankfully with interim payments I have managed to push on with my recovery but I am still regularly in pain and unable to do anything active.

“The settlement means I can continue with my rehabilitation and provides some financial stability given I have struggled to find work since leaving hospital.

“I hope that my case reminds all motorists of the importance of sticking to speed limits and being aware of cyclists as vehicles can be incredibly dangerous when travelling at speed.

“I am alive today thanks to the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service as if they hadn’t been able to reach me so quickly it’s highly likely I’d have died on the side of the road because I couldn’t breathe. I owe my life to the Kent, Sussex and Surrey Ambulance crew but it is a charitable organisation so I will try and help them as much as I can with donations to keep the vital service going.”

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise relating to cycling injury claims