Severely injured motorcyclist calls on more to be done to tackle drink-drivers ahead of the festive season

A Surrey motorcyclist is urging motorists not to drink and drive this festive season after he was severely injured in a road traffic collision. Michael was riding his motorcycle to work in November 2010 when a car, driven by a driver under the influence of alcohol, pulled across his path, leaving him with life-threatening orthopaedic injuries.

As a result of the accident, Michael was hospitalised for over a month and had to undergo life-changing reconstructive surgery. At one point he was even told that he could face an amputation.

As a result of the collision, more than 10cm of bone was forcibly removed from his leg, and an external fixator had to be applied in an attempt to encourage regrowth. However, Michael was only able to regrow 7cm of bone, leaving him with one leg significantly shorter than the other.  This discrepancy in length, together with his other orthopaedic injuries, meant that his mobility was significantly reduced and he had to adjust to a life of significant and constant pain.

After learning of Michael’s situation, a team of Minster Law Serious Injury lawyers fought to secure interim funds to enable him to undergo innovative reconstruction surgery on his damaged leg. At the beginning of 2015, a magnetic pin was inserted into Michael’s leg to help add length, whilst a further procedure helped to fix his leg in place.

Michael said: “My life has been turned upside down by the actions of someone who decided to drive while under the influence of alcohol. I’ve lost my job, I need a stick to help me walk and it’s hard for me to run around after my children. That driver walked away from the collision with a £350 fine and five penalty points, but I have the rest of my life to live with the consequences of his decision.”

“I sincerely hope that more will be done to prevent drink drivers from getting behind the wheel so that other people do not have to go through the same ordeal I have.”

Minster Law Solicitor, Joanne Ewart, who led Michael’s case said: “The injuries Michael suffered in the collision have been life-changing for him.  Despite the severity of his injuries, Michael has worked hard to get back on his feet and he is still in the process of rebuilding his life.

“Minster Law is committed to supporting people who have sustained catastrophic injuries. We believe that early rehabilitation is key, and I am delighted that we were able to assist Michael in securing the funds for him to undergo much-needed reconstruction surgery. It is still early days in Michael’s recovery, but the signs are looking hopeful for a positive result that will enable him to mobilise with more ease and less pain.”