Leeds crash survivor tells how 'normal day' turned to unimaginable horror after car smashed into his motorbike

59-year-old John Websdale was on his way to work, travelling along Brown Lane West in Holbeck, Leeds, when a motorist travelling in the opposite direction turned right across the road colliding with his motorbike.

John, of Alwoodley, Leeds, suffered multiple fractures including a double break to his right leg, broken left leg and fractured left wrist.

John, who is married to Paula , 51, and has two children Oliver, 27, and Megan, 23, also suffered a degloving injury where skin was ripped from his lower right leg.

It was not until paramedics arrived and removed John’s right motorbike boot that the extent of his injuries was known. A trauma doctor had to be contacted for advice because of the severity of John’s fractures.

Passers-by, including colleagues form John’s nearby work, came to his aid. John, who is also chair of Leeds Buddhist Centre, was taken to Leeds General Infirmary where he spent more than two weeks and underwent several operations, including to repair his fractures. He also underwent skin grafts where skin was taken from the top of his right leg

John said: “The day was just a normal day when suddenly and without any warning the car just turned into my bike. I don’t know if I lost consciousness, but I remember being on the ground and being in searing pain which was getting worse. Everything else is a bit of a blur because of the pain.

“While I spent two weeks in hospital and underwent multiple operations that was just the start of it. Once home I continued to suffer with problems and pain. I went from being independent to being more reliant on my family.

“Beforehand I used to run and cycle, would walk the dog, enjoy gardening and going to Leeds Rhinos.

“However, I can’t do much of the things I used to enjoy because of the pain. I walk with a limp in my right leg, have restricted movement in my right ankle and my leg swells after just walking short distances.

“The doctors have said I can’t run because of the pressure it would put my leg under and I’ve been told I’m now at risk of developing arthritis.

“The support I’ve had from those around me, especially Paula and the kids, has been great. I just hope that by sharing my story, people realise the aftermath people can be left to face because of poor decisions on the roads and not taking enough care.”

As part of Road Safety Week, John spoke for the first time about the impact the crash has had on his life and to warn of the consequences of careless driving. He continues to attend follow up appointments, including with plastic surgeons.

Following the collision, John, an office manager, instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access the specialist rehabilitation he requires. The legal experts have secured John an early interim payment to fund his rehab.

Peter Lorence, the expert serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, representing John, said: “The last few months and trying to come to terms with the collision and its effect have been incredibly difficult for John and his family.

“What happened to John is a stark reminder of the consequences innocent road users, especially more vulnerable ones such as cyclists and motorcyclists, can be left to face because of the careless actions of others.

“While John faces challenges to overcome his injuries, this interim payment, meaning he has access to early rehab, will be key in helping him make the best recovery possible. In the meantime, we join John in supporting Road Safety Week. We urge drivers to Think Bike and keep a particular eye out for motorcyclists.”

The driver of the car which crashed into John was fined £680 and banned from driving for 12 months. They pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless driving.

• Road Safety Week, organised by the charity Brake, runs from 16-22 November. For more information visit www.brake.org.uk/road-safety-week