A former radio producer and presenter who suffered a broken collarbone when he was knocked off his bike says he has now become even more aware of cyclists when driving his car.
Steve Redgrave, 59, was cycling to work at the BBC’s Hull headquarters, when he was hit by a car driver on a roundabout in the city.
He suffered a broken collarbone, which was fractured in three places, and had to have surgery to put a metal plate along the length of the broken bone.
He also fractured his right thumb, which had to be pinned into place, severe bruising to his ribs and knee and some temporary nerve issues along the length of his left arm.
He has now received £17,500 damages after pursuing a personal injury claim through Hudgell Solicitors.
Mr Redgrave, who worked for the BBC for 27 years, says he didn’t see the car heading towards him as it came onto the roundabout, and he was struck as he was focussed on heading for his exit lane.
“It was obviously a huge shock to be hit, especially given it was a bright sunny April morning and visibility was good,” he said.
“I was on the roundabout and approaching my lane to leave it, when suddenly, I was hit from the left and sent sprawling onto the road. You are just left in shock when something like that happens.
“Traffic was stopped for ages, as other car drivers, along with paramedics and the police, looked after me before I was taken to hospital by ambulance. I’m very grateful for the help all those people gave me.
“As a commuting cyclist for many years, I have always found roundabouts in the city a nightmare to negotiate. They’re very busy at peak times and I’m sure many car drivers simply don’t see or think about people on their bikes. It was a bright sunny clear day when this happened and I was in hi-vis gear.
“As a car driver myself of 40 years’ experience, riding a bike in heavy traffic makes me more aware of cyclists. It gives you a better perspective on the dangers they face.”
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New cycle lanes can make roads safer, rather than leaving cyclists to ‘put their lives in their own hands’
Mr Redgrave, who left the BBC earlier this year, says he welcomes cycle lanes being introduced on a number of Hull’s busiest roads.
“I certainly try and use cycle lanes when I can. Cyclists put their lives in their own hands”, he said.
“The problem in the past has been that you’ll be riding along a cycle lane which is marked up, usually on quite wide roads anyway, but when you come to hard places to cross, like junctions and roundabouts, the markings finish. You’re left stranded to cross as best you can, exposing yourself to danger.
“I see new cycle lanes are being added to Hull’s roads and streets. If the cycling network is done properly I think it’ll be a very good thing. I used to bike five miles to work and five back home at the end of the day. It’s good exercise, good for the environment and if enough people do it, it’d cut congestion and pollution. Not to mention making it safer for cyclists, some who’ve come off even worse than I have.
“The accident has certainly made me even more aware and respectful to cyclists when I’m driving. It took me a while to get back on my bike and get my confidence back.
“I may not have suffered life-threatening injuries but I was in a difficult position for a while because my left shoulder was strapped up and I had my right hand wired up and covered in pot. I couldn’t really do anything for myself for weeks.
“My wife needed to help me get washed, dressed, and even eat as I couldn’t use a knife and fork for ages. It meant I couldn’t go to the gym and do a workout. It took quite a while before I could swim again and then not very well for ages.
“I needed two months off work. Thankfully I received my BBC pay, but had I been self-employed, as I used to be years ago, and unable to work, it would have been really hard, money wise.
“I went to Hudgell Solicitors as I wanted a local firm to deal with my claim. It was close by if I needed to get them any information they needed quickly. I know there are lots of people on the TV pushing their services but I spoke to other people who’d had a good experience too with Hudgells.
“I am pleased with how they represented me and the outcome.”
Legal case wasn’t disputed and £17,500 settlement reached
Solicitor Sarah Kidd said: “This was a case where there was no disputing who was at fault at all, and Steve suffered a number of injuries which caused pain and discomfort for some time.
“He was well-supported by his employer who continued to pay him whilst he was off work with his injuries, but his injuries impacted on both him and his family, as he was unable to do many day-to-day tasks for a couple of months. He needed to be supported by his wife for many weeks and a planned Spanish holiday had to be cancelled.
“We received an offer to settle this case some time ago, but having undergone medical assessments as part of his claim, Steve decided to wait to see if there were any further complications from his injuries to his collarbone, shoulder and hand which could have further impacted on him, which could have led to a claim for more damages.
“Thankfully, he has made a good recovery from his injuries now and we were pleased to be able to reach this settlement for him.”
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