Yorkshire mechanic knocked off his motorbike by car doing a sudden U-turn could lose his arm - but driver was only fined £600

Father-of-two Karlos Bingham was travelling to work on the A57 near Aston when a car performed a sudden U-turn around a traffic island, colliding with his bike.

The 30-year-old from Aston, near Rotherham, suffered a catalogue of injuries including spinal fractures, a broken shoulder blade and collarbone, a fractured rib as well as severe damage to the nerves connecting his spine to his left arm.

The bicycle mechanic was taken to the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield where he spent nearly three weeks. He has undergone a number of operations, including to try to repair nerve damage. He has no function in his left arm and doctors have said he may need to have his arm amputated.

Karlos, who also had to give up a role as a race mechanic for GB Cycling, has been unable to return to employment.

He has now instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access the specialist rehabilitation, support and therapies he requires following his injuries.

After the driver who caused the collision was fined £660 and had seven points put on his licence, law firm Irwin Mitchell has launched a civil case.

Mr Bingham’s legal team are now appealing for witnesses, or those with dash or helmetcam footage of the collision or its aftermath to come forward, to help ensure he receives the best rehabilitation package he can.

The collision, involving a grey VW Golf estate, happened near the Elmwood pub at about 7:40am on Wednesday 27 April.

Stacy Clements, the specialist serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Mr Bingham, said: “The last few months have been incredibly difficult not only for Karlos but also his family as they attempt to come to terms with the impact of the collisions and what it means for them.

“Karlos suffered incredibly serious injuries which are likely to affect him for the rest of his life. Despite the best efforts and skill of doctors he faces a very uncertain future and has been told it’s likely he may have to have part of his left arm amputated.

“Karlos’ case is a stark reminder of the consequences vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists can be left to face because of the actions of others. It’s vital everyone on the roads takes care at all times.

“We’re determined to support Karlos and help him access the best care, support and therapies he needs. Therefore we’re appealing for anyone who may have more information or footage of the collision, the moments leading up to it or its aftermath, to get in touch. Any detail could be key in helping us secure the ongoing rehabilitation and support Karlos requires to overcome his injuries the best he can and live as independently as possible.”

Mr Bingham, who has two daughters, Miley, 11, and eight-year-old Lilia, with fiancée Beth Senior, 27, said: “I remember riding to work and the next thing I woke up lying on the road with people surrounding me.

“Once in hospital the severity of what happened really started to sink in. Beth and the girls were tearful for weeks and the collision really affected them. It’s still difficult to come to terms with how our family has changed.

“Before the crash I loved going to work and even when I wasn’t working I liked to keep myself busy. I would tinker in the shed mending bikes and would help people in the area repair their bikes.

“I’d also worked with Team GB Cycling as a race mechanic on a seasonal basis. I’d travelled across Europe and to be able to do this had always been a dream. Having to give up such an opportunity was devastating.

“Since the collision I’ve not been able to go to work or do any of the hobbies I enjoyed. My employer has been brilliant with me but I fear whether I will be able to return to work.

“I still have severe, ongoing pain in my left arm and I’m reliant on Beth to help fasten buttons or zips. I used to help get the girls ready for school and used to pride myself on being a dad who could plait their hair but I’m unable to do this now.

“I try to put a brave face on but do worry about the future. I was the breadwinner for my family and in a split-second everything has changed. Being unable to support my family is a major concern especially with the cost of living and the price of everything going up.

“I just hope that by sharing my story it reminds people to be safe on the roads and to especially be aware of motorcyclists and cyclists.”

Anyone with information about the collision should contact Michaela Longland at Irwin Mitchell at [email protected] or on 0114 274 4382.

The Golf driver was charged with driving without due care and attention. The case was proved in his absence at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court earlier this summer. The driver was also ordered to pay £110 costs and a victim surcharge of £66.