London cyclist tells drivers to 'take care' after being thrown from bike

£10000 compo!
QUOTE:
A cyclist who suffered a serious arm injury after being knocked down by a car on a cycle superhighway has called for motorists to “take care� on London’s roads.

Sam Kitchen, a 34-year-old cyber security consultant, was cycling home from work in May 2018 when a Mercedes pulled out suddenly and caused a collision, in Cable Street, Shadwell.

He was thrown from his bike and suffered open fractures to his left arm, needing surgery to insert metal plates on the broken bones and spending five days recovering in hospital.

Mr Kitchen had been using a designated cycle lane at the time of the crash, but the Mercedes driver ignored his right of way when pulling out.

After securing five-figure damages from the driver’s insurers, he spoke out to describe the impact of the crash and urge other motorists to look out for cyclists.

He said: “I used to take the same way home each day because part of the route is on the segregated Cycle Superhighway so I thought it would be safer. “I used to really enjoy cycling and adventure holidays but now I’m a lot more apprehensive in case I cause further damage to my arm�, he said.

“However, I’m very determined and am focused on continuing with my recovery. I just hope that by speaking out more motorists take care on the roads so others don’t have to go through what I have.�

Mr Kitchen said he still suffers pain and weakness in his arm, and has to rely on girlfriend Jennifer Lam, 34, for some tasks at their home on the Isle of Dogs. Describing the crash, he said: “As I approached Devonport Street I saw the Mercedes which appeared to be slowing down and it looked like the driver saw me. As I had right of way I continued. The next thing the car pulled out of the T-junction and collided with me.

“I remember lying on the ground but didn’t realise how serious my injury was. A couple of people rushed over to me and I think I then passed out.

“My memory is blurry from then. I was on morphine for the pain. I remember waking up in hospital following my surgery with a cast on my arm.�

He engaged specialist injury lawyers Irwin Mitchell to bring a civil damages claim, which was settled after the Mercedes driver’s insurance company admitted liability.

“The injuries that Sam suffered through no fault of his own have had a major impact on his life and he still faces many challenges�, said Imogen Lowden, from Irwin Mitchell.

“We are pleased to have secured this settlement which will allow Sam to focus on his continued rehabilitation.

“However, it is vital that all road users take care on the roads at all times. We urge motorists to be aware of those on two wheels to help reduce the number of serious accidents involving cyclists.�

The motorist responsible agreed to attend a driver alertness course after being spoken to by police and did not face criminal prosecution.

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/c...-a4461076.html

On 17:41 5 Jun 2020, Simon Mason said:

£10000 compo!

QUOTE:
A cyclist who suffered a serious arm injury after being knocked down by
a car on a cycle superhighway has called for motorists to “take
care” on London’s roads.

Sam Kitchen, a 34-year-old cyber security consultant, was cycling home
from work in May 2018 when a Mercedes pulled out suddenly and caused a
collision, in Cable Street, Shadwell.

He was thrown from his bike and suffered open fractures to his left arm,
needing surgery to insert metal plates on the broken bones and spending
five days recovering in hospital.

Mr Kitchen had been using a designated cycle lane at the time of the
crash, but the Mercedes driver ignored his right of way when pulling
out.

After securing five-figure damages from the driver’s insurers, he
spoke out to describe the impact of the crash and urge other motorists
to look out for cyclists.

He said: “I used to take the same way home each day because part of
the route is on the segregated Cycle Superhighway so I thought it would
be safer. “I used to really enjoy cycling and adventure holidays but
now I’m a lot more apprehensive in case I cause further damage to my
arm”, he said.

“However, I’m very determined and am focused on continuing with my
recovery. I just hope that by speaking out more motorists take care on
the roads so others don’t have to go through what I have.”

Mr Kitchen said he still suffers pain and weakness in his arm, and has
to rely on girlfriend Jennifer Lam, 34, for some tasks at their home on
the Isle of Dogs. Describing the crash, he said: “As I approached
Devonport Street I saw the Mercedes which appeared to be slowing down
and it looked like the driver saw me. As I had right of way I continued.
The next thing the car pulled out of the T-junction and collided with
me.

“I remember lying on the ground but didn’t realise how serious my
injury was. A couple of people rushed over to me and I think I then
passed out.

“My memory is blurry from then. I was on morphine for the pain. I
remember waking up in hospital following my surgery with a cast on my
arm.”

He engaged specialist injury lawyers Irwin Mitchell to bring a civil
damages claim, which was settled after the Mercedes driver’s insurance
company admitted liability.

“The injuries that Sam suffered through no fault of his own have had a
major impact on his life and he still faces many challenges”, said
Imogen Lowden, from Irwin Mitchell.

“We are pleased to have secured this settlement which will allow Sam
to focus on his continued rehabilitation.

“However, it is vital that all road users take care on the roads at
all times. We urge motorists to be aware of those on two wheels to help
reduce the number of serious accidents involving cyclists.”

The motorist responsible agreed to attend a driver alertness course
after being spoken to by police and did not face criminal prosecution.

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/c...ages-mercedes-
highway-warning-a4461076.html

I'm surprised the police didn't prosecute. The cyclist is using a top
notch firm, Irwin Mitchell, which should be able to make waves but maybe
they went after only the compensation.

On Saturday, June 6, 2020 at 11:58:20 AM UTC+1, Pamela wrote:

The motorist responsible agreed to attend a driver alertness course
after being spoken to by police and did not face criminal prosecution.

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/c...ages-mercedes-
highway-warning-a4461076.html

I'm surprised the police didn't prosecute. The cyclist is using a top
notch firm, Irwin Mitchell, which should be able to make waves but maybe
they went after only the compensation.

The police didn't prosecute the driver who knocked me off either - they just gave me his insurance details for my claim.