Man seriously injured after motorcycle collision in Manchester

Our client was seriously injured while riding his motorbike when a car pulled out into his path. The injuries suffered during the collision led to long term impacts on his life including his career. We secured a £400,000 settlement which allowed an eased transition of career as well as continuous rehabilitation. This case study explores:  

• How the incident happened  
• The injuries this crash caused and their impact 
• The case  
• Reaching a settlement 

The incident 

Our client was riding his motorcycle in Manchester. As he was travelling correctly along the B5211, the defendant suddenly pulled out into the road, from the claimant’s left-hand side, and into his lane. Despite the claimant’s attempt to avoid the collision, the defendant ended up hitting the claimant’s left side.  As a result of the collision, the claimant suffered: 

• Fractured left leg, affecting both the left knee and ankle, requiring extensive surgical treatment and the application of an external fixator frame 
• Left shoulder injury 
• Hip injury 
• Pain issues including hypersensitivity across areas including the shin 
• Psychological issues, including PTSD, along with mixed anxiety and depressive reaction 
• Multiple scars to the leg 
• Urological issues, including reduction to testosterone levels 

The impact 

Our client’s employment situation was a key factor throughout the claim. At the time of the collision, our client was working as a Group Executive Chef, managing several restaurants.   

The injuries suffered during the collision led to a frame being attached to his leg, which meant he was unable to work for a long period of time. Although he returned to work with the frame still attached, recurring infections forced him to take further time off at the end of 2020 for additional treatment. This eventually led to his dismissal, with his employer citing gross negligence and poor attitude, which the client disputed.  

After losing his job, our client worked multiple roles in the hospitality industry that did not require long hours on his feet. As well as this, he also started his own limited company, offering menu design and consultancy services, which suited his physical limitations. Despite these efforts, he experienced a significant drop in income, when compared to what he was earning prior to the accident. 

The case and settlement 

Neil Downey, Associate Solicitor & Team Leader within our personal injury department handled this claim for our client. Throughout the case, several medical experts were asked to provide evidence regarding the client’s injuries and their impact on his life. These were their findings:  

• Mr Simon Reuben, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon: Dr Reuben classified the client’s injuries as disabling, noting a permanent reduction in function due to the frame and injuries to the knee, ankle, and hip. He highlighted a future risk of knee replacement surgery and ongoing infection risks.  

• Dr David Marshall, Psychiatrist: Dr Marshall diagnosed the client with post traumatic stress disorder following the accident. Although his psychological condition had improved by the time a resolution to the case was reached, he continued to experience bothersome trauma symptoms and erectile dysfunction, likely due to psychological factors.  

• Mr Martin Middleton, Orthotics Expert: Due to the injuries suffered by the claimant, he will continue to be in need of specialised footwear and equipment to adapt to the impact on his mobility by the injuries to his leg.   

• Mr David Whitby, Plastic Surgeon: Noted that as a result of his injuries and the treatment he needed, the claimant suffered scarring from the collision but indicated no long-term treatments would be beneficial. 

Liability was admitted by the defending party early on in the claim and a settlement of £400,000 was agreed between the two parties at a Joint Settlement Meeting. This figure was decided upon once factoring in the injuries our client sustained, impact these injuries had upon his life, and the loss of earnings as a result of the collision.   

The collision significantly affected the claimant’s life, both professionally and personally. His inability to continue in his previous employment, due to it being a demanding role as a chef, led to a career shift with reduced income. The physical injuries and associated medical treatments caused ongoing pain, functional limitations, and psychological trauma. The combination of these factors was crucial in determining the extent of the client’s losses and the compensation required.   

About the case, Neil said “As a result of this road traffic collision, the client suffered multiple extensive injuries to the lower limb, which has had a considerable impact upon him in the years following this collision, due to the multiple surgical treatments required, the massive imposition of an external fixator framer attached to the lower limb, which impacted both his day to day life at home, and also his employment in the restaurant and hospitality industry. The effects of these injuries, and the ongoing treatment which our client is expected to require in both the short term and in his later life will sadly serve as a continuing reminder of this road traffic collision as our client adjusts to his new way of life.” 

Here when you need us 

Motorcycle accidents can have devastating consequences on every aspect of your life. Dealing with your new reality, learning how to recover, rebuild and eventually thrive can seem like an insurmountable task. Having personal injury experts in your corner can make a world of difference. Here at Fletchers, we work with you to understand your needs going forward and offer full-service support with our inhouse rehabilitation and wellbeing team. If you or a loved one has been injured in a road traffic accident, we’re here to help. Contact our team today.