Mike is somewhat of a local cycling legend. He has cycled competitively since he was a young man and is well known among the Teesside cycling fraternity. He is an active member of the Fietsen Tiempo cycling club in Cleveland. His son, also called Mike, is a professional cyclist.

Mike ‘The Bike’ was involved in an accident in 2012 at the age of 71.

He was cycling along Low Lane in Thornaby heading towards Middlesbrough. Mike had passed the junction of the A1044 when he felt an impact to the rear wheel of his bicycle. To his horror, there was a car right behind him which pushed his bike from behind across the carriageway.

Mike ended up falling from his bike and hitting the left side of his face on the kerb of the central reservation.

The driver who caused the accident was judged sufficiently blameworthy to justify police action. He was made to attend a Driver Alertness Course as an alternative to prosecution.

Liability for the accident was admitted by the driver’s insurers.

After the accident Mike was in a terrible state. An ambulance arrived at the scene and took him to James Cook University Hospital. He was covered in blood.

In the accident, Mike sustained the following injuries:

• A suspected fractured left cheekbone,
• Loss of three teeth,
• Numerous lacerations to his face involving around 60 stitches,
• Cuts to both hands.

Mike was collected from hospital by his family and, for a few weeks, relied on their assistance with dressing his wounds and also doing day-to-day chores.

A week after the accident he attended his local GP to have his stitches removed.

Mike is a resilient sort and did not let the injuries get him down. He made a remarkable recovery from his physical injuries, although he was left with three missing teeth.

Medical evidence was sought from an A&E Specialist and also a Maxillo-Oral Facial Surgeon who was able to give detailed evidence on the loss of his teeth and to provide suggestions as to replacements which included expensive implants.

Mike was also concerned about his bicycle. Unfortunately the bicycle he was using was a rare collector’s bike which he had put together himself. It was a bike based on a classic Italian racing bike which he rarely used. The fact that it had been put together over a number of years made valuing the bike very difficult.

Specialist evidence was obtained from an engineer who was able to provide a valuation on the bicycle which was damaged beyond repair in the accident. That element of the claim was settled for £2,000.

After further medical evidence was obtained, statements prepared and the Schedule of Financial Loss finalised, the evidence was disclosed to the defendant’s insurers. After hard negotiations, the claim settled for £18,000.

Mike was very happy with the result and you will be pleased to know that the accident has not stopped him pursuing his lifelong interest in cycling.

Mike’s claim was handled by Anthony McCarthy, a director solicitor with Macks. Mike commented:

“I was extremely satisfied with the service that Anthony provided. I was kept informed throughout the claim and I was impressed at Anthony’s thoroughness in investigating every element of my injuries and losses. The overall compensation I was awarded was more than I expected and I would happily recommend Macks Solicitors to anyone.”