Husband Joins Legal Team In Supporting Road Safety Week

A motorcyclist who faced losing his leg following a crash has issued an emotional plea for drivers to take care on the roads.

John Castleton suffered multiple fractures and crush injuries to his left leg and foot when a car pulled out in front of his motorbike, colliding with him, in Harborne, Birmingham.

The 62-year-old has undergone many surgical procedures since the crash, spending seven weeks in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. For 12 months, his leg was also placed in a special frame which was bolted into his bones by doctors in an effort to improve healing.

Despite extensive treatment, doctors feared that the severity of John’s injuries would mean that he may require a below-knee amputation.

John, of Edgbaston, has instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access specialist rehabilitation he requires.

Following further medical treatment and rehabilitation the risk of John having to have his leg amputated has been reduced. However, he is being kept under careful review by his treating team and further surgery still remains a prospect.

He has now joined his legal team in using Road Safety Week to urge motorists to be bike aware and take care on the roads at all times. It comes after the driver’s insurance company admitted liability for the collision.

Expert Opinion

“This case vividly highlights the life-changing consequences that vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists can face through other road users not paying attention.

“John has faced an incredibly challenging time with his injuries having a profound effect on him. He has been unable to return to work and is now more reliant on his family to provide a significant level of care.

“While nothing can make up for what has happened, we are continuing to work to ensure John can continue to access the vital rehabilitation he needs to maximise his recovery.

“We join him in speaking out about why road users should always take care whenever travelling. Failing to do so can undoubtedly have major consequences.” Alice Hall - Associate Solicitor

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling serious injury cases 

John, who is married to Sandra Pugh, was riding his motorbike along Metchley Lane in Harborne, on 27 June, 2018, when a car pulled out from a side road, directly into his path, and collided with him. 

John, a NHS psychologist, was trapped between the car and the motorcycle. Upon arrival at Queen Elizabeth Hospital it was confirmed that he had suffered multiple fractures, crush injuries, vascular and soft tissue damage, and blood loss.

Looking back on the incident, John said: “It remains very difficult to talk about what happened, as the pain, fear and trauma are still quite raw.

“It was a beautiful summer’s morning - warm, dry and clear - in fact ideal riding conditions.  But even so, as was normal for safety, I was travelling with three headlamps on and wearing protective gear. And I have been riding bikes since my teens, so I know the importance of looking out for potential hazards.

“I knew straight away - from the impact - that something was seriously wrong with my left leg. Being told about my injuries was horrific and this was highlighted by the hours of emergency procedures that were carried out in the A and E Dept.

“I have had so much treatment on my leg and foot. I had surgery five times in three weeks and each time I was in the operating theatre for many hours. I needed to have blood transfusions and grafts of skin, muscle, bone and a vein.

“The surgical teams repaired my leg as much as they could, but because of the damage I lost four centimetres of bone and had to have it stretched to regain my height.  The treatment and care I have received from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital has been fantastic, but it remains devastating to realise that I could have ended up losing my leg. The thought is unbearable.”

He added: “The past year or so has been the most difficult of my life but I cannot thank enough Sandra, the rest of the family and our friends, for the help and support they have shown.

“While it is hard to fully know what the future holds regarding treatment and recovery, I am determined to try and concentrate on my rehabilitation.

“I just hope that by speaking out, my story will encourage drivers to be aware of bikes on the roads. A bike rider is at great risk of serious injury if they are in a collision with a car, van or lorry, even at low speeds.”

Road Safety Week runs from 18 to 24 November and is organised by Brake.