A member from Weston-super-Mare, who was knocked off his bike in Bristol by a car that turned right across his path, hit him and then drove off, has secured more than £3,000 in compensation.
The injured Unite member was left on the roadside after the driver failed to stop. The motorist was later tracked down by the police and successfully prosecuted for driving without due care and attention and for leaving the scene of an accident.
The member was taken to A&E where x-rays confirmed he had damaged his shoulder and cracked his collarbone, he also suffered a haematoma in his left leg as well as extensive bruising and grazing.
The injury to his right shoulder meant that he couldn’t lift, he also found it difficult to place any weight on his injured leg. He needed five weeks off work and a course of physiotherapy.
The 32-year-old contacted Unite Legal Services to investigate a claim for compensation.
He said: “One person’s carelessness caused months of disruption to my life. I couldn’t work or enjoy my hobbies, and despite having recovered from my injuries my shoulder is easily aggravated.
“I’m grateful for the legal support from Unite Legal Services, particularly given that the driver fled the scene as soon as I was hit. Having the backing of my trade union gave me the confidence that everything would work out and it did – I got compensated and the driver was held responsible.”
Jerry Pickford, from Unite the Union, said: “Irresponsible driving led to what potentially could have been a fatal accident, but thankfully wasn’t.
“Unite Legal Services represents its members for accidents that happen at and away from work and we’re very pleased to have brought this case to a successful conclusion, particularly in light of the trauma our member went through when left on the roadside.”
