Changes To The Careless Driving Laws 'can't Come Soon Enough' For Injured Cyclist

• Published date: 30 October 2020
• Subject Matter: Litigation, Mediation & Arbitration, Transport, Rail, Road & Cycling, Personal Injury
• Law Firm: Leigh Day
• Author: Leigh Day

Samuel Mashford, a 33-year-old cyclist, was almost home from a training ride on 21 June 2020 when the driver of a VW Polo turned suddenly across his path on the A61 Barnsley Road near Newmillerdam to enter a side road and collided with him.

Mr Mashford had no opportunity to avoid the collision and his leg was crushed by the front of the vehicle.

He was taken by ambulance to the Major Trauma Unit at Leeds General Infirmary where X-rays showed a complex fracture to his right leg.

During a 10-hour surgery Mr Mashford underwent skin and muscle grafting and had an external fixator frame applied to his leg which remains in place four months later.

Mr Mashford was informed of the outcome of the criminal prosecution of the VW driver last week. The driver was convicted of driving without due care and attention and received five points on his licence and a '350 fine.

Mr Mashford said:

"This is an insulting lenient sentence. I am left with life-changing injuries from which it is going to take me years to recover, if I am able to make a full recovery at all.

"I am unable to work, walk, drive and see my young son, who lives 200 miles away, through no fault of my own. I am stuck at home with a metal frame on my leg, and my wife has to care for me. Meanwhile, the driver has walked away with a slap on the wrist."

Mr Mashford is represented by Leigh Day solicitors.

Rachel Botterill of Leigh Day's specialist cycling team said:

"It is very disappointing that the driver has received such a low...