Former Journalist Suffered Head Injury and Needed Jaw Wiring Into Place Following Sheffield Crash

A cyclist who suffered multiple injuries, including a head injury, when she was hit by a taxi in Sheffield is backing this year’s Road Safety Week campaign for motorists to get ‘Bike Smart’.

Rachael Clegg was cycling home from her job at The Star newspaper when she was struck from behind by a taxi which failed to stop.

The collision took Rachael over the front of her handlebars and she was left with a series of injuries including a head injury, fractures to her jaw, cheekbones and left wrist. She required significant treatment following the incident – including cheekbone reconstruction and the repositioning of her jaw – and needed a total of five months off work as she attempted to recover.

Following the collision, she instructed specialist serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help her gain access to the specialist rehabilitation and therapies she required as part of her recovery.

Rachael has obtained specialist psychology treatment and physiotherapy funded through her claim as well as having a consultation regarding cosmetic make-up to cover her scarring.

Unfortunately for Rachael, her case has been delayed by the Motor Insurers Bureau for over a year. Irwin Mitchell raised a formal complaint on Rachael’s behalf due to the lack of progress and as a result, Rachael’s case is now progressing forwards towards a conclusion. As Irwin Mitchell’s work continues she has now joined forces with the law firm to support Road Safety Week.

Expert Opinion

“Our client’s story is a clear example of the devastating impact that road collisions can have on cyclists, with Rachael requiring a significant amount of support as she worked to recover from the crash.

“Road Safety Week is an important time to reflect on the responsibility that all of us have to keep ourselves and others safe from harm on the road. This year’s theme is an important reminder that those on two wheels can be at particular risk, so it is vital that motorists do what they can and remain vigilant.” Rachel Cox - Solicitor, Healthy Mind Advocate & Wellbeing Lead for Sheffield

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling road traffic accident cases 

Rachael, now 38, was cycling home to Millhouses when the collision happened in Pinstone Street on 27 September, 2013.

The incident happened just a week after she had written a feature for The Star aimed at encouraging more people to get on their bikes around the city.

She said: “I had been into work briefly to file some copy and was on my way home when the incident occurred. I felt a jolt behind me and quickly realised what was happening. However, there was no way I could stop myself from coming off the bike. As I was propelled forwards over the handlebars I fell face first into the pavement, landing on my head and face.

“Initially it felt as if my teeth had been knocked out in the fall. Then I realised that my jaw was disconnected. A passer-by rushed over and I recall apologising because there was so much blood.”

Rachael was initially treated at the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield before then being transferred to Royal Hallamshire Hospital. Upon discharge she went to stay with her parents in Rochdale, as she required support with a number of tasks.

Rachael eventually moved back to Sheffield but felt she had to give up her job as she the demands of it were too much as she tried to overcome her injuries. She is now an art director and designs calendars.

She recalled: “I was in a complete state following the crash, as my jaw was wired and I needed help with everything from washing to dressing. My parents even had to liquidise food so that I could eat.

“There was a clear lasting physical impact, but one thing I really struggled with was the psychological effects of what happened. Following the crash I was very tearful, struggled with concentration and also became forgetful. All of this also led to an impact on my mood too.

“It was just an incredibly difficult time and it highlights just why road users need to do what they can to keep cyclists safe on the roads. People travelling on two wheels can be very vulnerable and everyone has a duty to put safety first.”

Road Safety Week runs from 19-25 November. This year’s ‘Bike Smart’ theme aims to reduce the number of cyclists and motorcyclists killed or injured on the roads.

In 2016 a total of 19,297 motorcyclists and 18,477 cyclists were either killed or injured, according to the most recent figures from the Department for Transport.