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A science teacher from Hemel Hempstead is urging drivers to take greater care on the roads after he suffered life-changing injuries in a cycling accident caused by a van driver.
The man, who is now 56, was cycling along Long Chaulden, Hemel Hempstead, in April 2020, during the first COVID-19 lockdown, when a van—driven on behalf of Dacorum Borough Council—turned right across his path at the junction with Varney Road.
The impact threw him across the bonnet of the van and onto the ground, causing multiple serious injuries, including a concussive head injury, fractures to his right tibia and fibula, and a fractured left scaphoid.
He was rushed to hospital for urgent treatment and underwent multiple surgeries, including the insertion of an intramedullary nail in his right leg.
Following the incident, he instructed legal experts at Thompsons Solicitors through his NASUWT union membership to bring a claim against the council.
Thompsons secured funding for rehabilitation and surgery and interim payments. However, despite years of treatment and surgeries, he still experiences chronic pain and mobility issues. The long-term impact on his working life remains uncertain, and he fears he will be unable to continue working full-time until retirement, as he had planned.
The driver was later convicted of driving without due care and attention, and the teacher’s claim was settled just weeks before trial for a significant sum, reflecting his injuries, ongoing therapy needs, and future loss of earnings.
Commenting on his ordeal the man, who does not want to be named, said: "Five years have passed, but I am still dealing with the consequences of that day. I live with daily pain, and there are things I used to do without thinking—both in my personal life and at work—that are now a real struggle. Teaching is a demanding job, and I worry about how long I’ll be able to keep going before my injuries force me to stop.
"What makes this harder to accept is that this was completely avoidable. I was following the rules of the road, yet I still ended up seriously injured because a driver failed to pay attention. Drivers need to understand that a moment’s lapse in concentration can change someone’s life forever.
"It’s deeply concerning that a council-employed driver was responsible, and I want reassurance that the council has taken this seriously. They must ensure that all their drivers are properly trained to look out for cyclists and other vulnerable road users so that no one else has to go through what I have. I hope that by speaking out, I can help raise awareness and prevent this from happening to someone else.
"I’m incredibly grateful to my union, NASUWT, and Thompsons Solicitors. While nothing can undo what happened, at least now, I have some financial security for the future."
Kam Singh, from Thompsons Solicitors, said: "This case highlights the lasting impact that road traffic collisions can have—not just on physical health but on long-term career prospects and mental wellbeing. Our client has shown incredible resilience, but no one should endure such a traumatic experience, especially due to a driver’s lack of care.
“We are pleased that through his NASUWT membership, we could provide expert legal representation and secure a significant settlement to help with his recovery and future needs.”
Matt Wrack, NASUWT Acting General Secretary, said: “This case demonstrates the value of union membership in helping workers get justice and redress beyond the workplace.
“Our member has suffered life changing injuries through no fault of his own and we hope the settlement we supported him to obtain will go some way to assisting his ongoing physical and mental recovery.”
Thompsons Solicitors and NASUWT remain committed to ensuring injured members receive the justice and compensation they deserve. This case also highlights the importance of union membership in providing workers with specialist legal support, rehabilitation, and financial security when needed.