Substantial damages for father thrown from motorbike in hit-and-run
Dushal Mehta has secured significant damages for his client Ryan, who suffered life-changing injuries after being hit by a car while riding his motorbike to work.
Ryan was an active and healthy young man whose wife had recently given birth to their first child at the time of the accident. Early one morning on his way to work, a car pulled out in front of him, causing him to brake suddenly and his front wheels to lock. Ryan lost control, fell from his motorbike, and collided with the moving car. The driver drove off after the collision and was later arrested at his home.
Ryan suffered life-threatening injuries, and he was intubated and ventilated at the scene. He was taken by ambulance to the Royal London Hospital where he was treated in an induced coma in intensive care for many weeks.
Ryan suffered extensive, serious polytrauma, including significant chest and abdominal injuries, serious injuries to both arms, multiple fractures, and soft tissue injuries, as well as a head injury.
Prior to the accident, Ryan was extremely active – he had a physically demanding job in facilities management and hobbies including gaming and motorbiking. He was a family man who loved and cared for his wife and step-children alongside their own baby girl, who was just a few months old at the time of the crash.
After months in hospital, where covid restrictions meant contact with his family was limited, Ryan was discharged but continued to suffer daily from his lifechanging injuries. He has constant back pain, which required strong painkillers, and his mobility was extremely reduced.
The numerous abdominal injuries and surgeries left Ryan with ongoing difficulties in his bowel function. Due to the head injury, he now struggles with memory and concentration. He suffers from low mood, and he has become more short-tempered and irritable. The permanent injuries to his hands make it difficult for Ryan to do any manual work at all and he struggles to lift his daughter and carry things by himself.
Before the accident Ryan was the primary earner and in line for a promotion but has not been able to work since the crash. He was a very hands-on father and helped with everything around the house.
After leaving hospital his wife provided all his care, alongside looking after a newborn and the older children, maintaining the house and doing the many daily chores required in the home.
Within weeks of being instructed, Dushal managed to secure vital interim funds. This helped with therapies to aid Ryan's recovery, equipment, and the building of a garden room so he had more space for his exercises and therapies. Importantly for the wellbeing of the whole family, the funds also provided for childcare, a cleaner and a gardener, and play therapy for their daughter. Due to the complexity of Ryan's abdominal injuries it was necessary for him to have extensive abdominal surgery which was secured on a private basis. The surgery allowed Ryan to move forward with some aspects of his life and he was able to be a little more mobile.
The driver was later convicted of driving without due care and attention and of failing to stop at the scene of an accident. He was handed a six-month suspended sentence and was banned from driving for a year. Initially, the insurers failed to admit liability for the accident. After Court proceedings were issued and accident reconstruction evidence secured the Defendant finally admitted liability for the accident. Dushal obtained many expert reports to comment on all of the injuries that Ryan sustained to help value the claim.
After negotiations, a settlement was reached and Dushal secured a large settlement for Ryan. This will fund the ongoing care and treatment he needs and will also compensate him for the difficulties he is likely to face in the future in finding employment due to his injuries. The settlement has provided Ryan and his family with some financial security for the future so that they can now move on with their lives.
Following settlement, Ryan and Sophia said "Dushal has been an exceptional solicitor, combining professionalism with genuine compassion throughout our entire journey. He guided us gently every step of the way, always considerate of our needs and preferences. His encouragement to accept help when we needed it made us feel supported and reassured, and his thoughtful approach to each aspect of the process was truly invaluable. We are deeply grateful for his expertise and the care he showed in handling our case."
Contact us
For further information about road traffic accident claims, please call Dushal Mehta on 03304606751 or email dushal.mehta@fieldfisher.com.
Alternatively
- You can speak to our personal injury solicitors on freephone 0800 358 3848
- email us: personalinjury@fieldfisher.com
- Complete the short online enquiry form
All enquiries are completely free of charge and we will investigate all funding options for you including no win, no fee.
