Injured cyclist receives £2m compensation payout from driver’s insurers

A cyclist who suffered life-changing injuries after being hit by a motorist has received £2 million in an out of court settlement. The cyclist and his family have expressed their relief, saying it’s a weight off their shoulders that they now have the financial means to provide full care and support.

“Security provided by the settlement”

Cyclist John Wellock was knocked from his bicycle in September 2010 as he travelled down the A62 Huddersfied Road in Oldham. A motorist pulled out in front of the 65-year-old, throwing him from his bike. John was left in a coma, and subsequently spent nine months in hospital going through intensive rehabilitation. The crash has left John with life-changing brain injuries and in need of full-time care and rehabilitation.

Before the accident, John had worked for an interior design company. As a result of his injuries, he is no longer able to work, and his wife Elaine has also been forced to give up her job in order to help care for her husband.

In 2011, the driver of the vehicle that struck John pleaded guilty at Oldham Magistrates Court to driving without due care and attention. Following a long legal battle, the motorist’s insurers have now admitted liability – offering the £2 million out of court settlement to John.

His family have described the settlement as a “massive relief and a weight off our shoulders”. The money will be used to assist with John’s care and continue his rehabilitation with expert support. His wife Elaine commented:

“We can now look to the future as we know that John’s care needs will be taken care of for the rest of his life. We know nothing will ever be the same again but at least now we have some comfort in knowing that we have the security provided by the settlement”.

“Wearing a helmet saved my life”

Despite his injuries, John is now campaigning to make wearing a bike helmet compulsory. He staunchly believes that wearing safety gear helped to save him. He has said:

“I believe wearing a cycle helmet saved my life, I’ve been campaigning to try and make them compulsory for all. “Anything that can be done to improve safety for cyclists is extremely important”.

John believes that his experience underlines how serious road traffic accidents can be, especially those involving cyclists, and he urges that all road users look out for each other and consider whether they are doing everything possible to stay safe.

If you would like advice on personal injury and head injury issues, you can contact a member of IBB’s Personal Injury team, call us on 08456 381381 or email pi@ibblaw.co.uk