Mark Clarke Needed Ongoing Rehabilitation For Spinal, Shoulder And Facial Injuries As Well As Memory Loss

A motorcyclist who was left with serious injuries in a crash caused when a careless driver performed a sudden U-turn in front of him has been given an undisclosed settlement to help fund specialist care and rehabilitation.

Mark Clarke, from Wandsworth, London, was riding his Yamaha FZ800 motorcycle along Colliers Wood High Street on October 27, 2014, when the driver of the car in front of him pulled out and began a U-turn which took him directly into Mark’s path. With no time to react, Mark collided with the car and was catapulted into the road.

The 52-year-old was taken to St George’s Hospital where he remained for three days before returning home to recuperate. He was unable to return to work until February the following year, and lost thousands of pounds because his injuries delayed the development and launch of his business’ personal training software, Trainsmart.

Mark instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access specialist treatment and rehabilitation after the crash left him with a fractured spine, herniated disc, two dislocated fingers, broken and bruised ribs, damage to this jaw and teeth, a puncture wound to his leg, injured wrists and traumatic injuries to his shoulders.

While tests revealed that he has escaped permanent brain damage, two years on, the father-of-two still experienced severe headaches, issues with concentration and fatigue, as well as memory loss.

He said: “The crash left a legacy of headaches, tiredness and impacted my ability to concentrate which affected my work and every day life.

“While a settlement doesn’t change that, it has helped me get back on a relatively even keel both with my health and the financial state of my business. Ultimately though, I just hope that what happened to me can serve as a warning to drivers of the consequences of not paying attention to those around you on the roads.

“As a motorcyclist I knew I was more vulnerable than someone in a car so I made sure I was properly protected and didn’t take risks. Unfortunately, there’s no accounting for the behaviour of others and that’s why it’s important we take responsibility for the safety of ourselves and others when we’re on the road.”

Expert Opinion

“We see first-hand the devastating impact serious collisions, such as Mark’s, have on victims. It is therefore imperative that drivers are aware of vulnerable road users around them and take precautions to ensure their driving behaviour does not put others at risk.

“Mark suffered multiple serious injuries and almost two years on was still recovering; something that not only heavily impacted on his independence but his business too.

“By securing the settlement, Mark has been able to offset some of his business losses, achieve compensation for his painful and debilitating injuries and fund the shoulder and dental treatment that he will need in the future.” Peter Lorence - Senior Associate Solicitor

The crash happened at 2pm on October 27, 2014 as Mark rode his motorbike along High Street. The driver of the car, which was parked on the street, facing towards Tooting, suddenly pulled out in order to perform a U-Turn to park on the opposite side of the road.  Mark braked but was unable to avoid the car and crashed into the driver’s door.

Mark, a keen cyclist, had been training for the Cape Town Cycle Tour in Argus the following March at the time of the crash, and was hoping to qualify in his age group for the Masters Cycling World Championships taking place in August 2015.

He now hopes his ordeal will encourage drivers to be more aware of vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and motorcyclists.

He added: “It’s taken a long time to get where I am today. I’d just ask drivers – especially at this time of year when the days are short – to be more vigilant of cyclists and motorcyclists.”

If you or a loved one has been injured in motorcycle accident, our road traffic accident claims team could help you secure compensation. Visit our Motorcycle Accident Compensation page for more information.