Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Injured cyclist, 62 awarded damages
A DUNDEE man has won damages after sustaining significant hand injuries caused by a woman opening he r ca r door w it hout checking her mirror.
Douglas Wilson was part of a group of cyclists riding through Birnam, near Pitlochry, in August 2018 when the incident took place, leaving him with a disfigured hand and restricted movement.
The cyclists were overtaking a line of parked cars when the driver’s door of a red Kia Ceed swung open.
The 62-year-old was struck on his left hand before being sent crashing to the ground.
In bodycam footage taken at the time, the woman who opened the car door was heard saying: “Oooh... are you OK? Are you alright?
“That was my fault... I never checked – I never noticed him.”
Mr Wilson received treatment at a nearby GP surgery before being taken to Ninewells Hospital, where medics confirmed multiple injuries to his left hand, left elbow and left ankle.
He remained in hospital for two days and underwent surgery to have steel plates inserted into his hand.
He has been left with a disfigured hand and restricted movement and had to pay £700 in repairs to his cycling equipment.
Mr Wilson said: “Clearly the woman did not set out to hurt anyone but it was pretty reckless and things could have been so much worse.
“And I don’t mean worse for me – what if she got out her car into the path of an oncoming vehicle?
“I don’t want to say much more as I’m hoping to just get on with things but I do think there is merit in highlighting what happened in the hope it prevents even just one similar crash in the future.”
Digby Brown Solicitors won a legal action against the driver and secured undisclosed damages for Mr Wilson.
Robert Kernaghan, partner at Digby Brown’s Dundee office, said: “Mr Wilson suffered significant injuries that could have been avoided if the driver simply looked in their mirror before exiting the vehicle.
“We’re happy to have secured our client rightful damages but more importantly, this should serve as a reminder to all.
“Our public highways are just that – public – and whether pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders or other motorists we must exercise caution, consideration and respect for all.”