Nursery teacher delighted after legal win helps her get back on bike after crash

Melanie Martin was left with horrendous injuries after being struck by a 4x4 while out cycling.

The 47-year-old lost two teeth, had two broken ribs and needed surgery for a fractured wrist – she also suffered a painful facial injury that required plastic surgery to treat.

Melanie, a nursery teacher from Castle Douglas in Kirkcudbrightshire, was not the type of person to make a personal injury claim.

She was a hard-working person who grabbed life with enthusiasm and “just got on with things”.

But the nature of her injuries – and the need for specialist medical care – meant Melanie knew she would benefit from specialist help, noting: “I really wasn’t in a good place at all.”

Melanie was run over around 8am on 5 May 2021.

She was cycling on the Old Military Road between Castle Douglas and Tongland but as she approached the junction near Craig Road she was struck by a Mitsubishi L200 pick-up.

Describing the crash, Melanie recalled: “It was just an ordinary day – said goodbye to my husband and my son, got on my bike and off I went.

“I was at a crossroads and saw a black vehicle coming – he didn’t stop and I remember shouting out “No!” as loud as I could and then there was a ‘bang’.

“I don’t know how long it was, but I found myself lying down on the ground still attached to my bicycle – one of the worst things was lifting my head and seeing my teeth lying on the ground.”

Melanie was treated at Dumfries & Galloway Royal Infirmary for her injuries.

She was in recovery for months and had to undergo multiple procedures to repair her teeth and rebuild her face.

Melanie said: “There was the pain and recovery side of the injuries but then there’s the mental impact.

“Having my face so badly affected was a huge knock to my confidence.

“I just felt all my energy and enthusiasm being zapped and just wanted to shut myself away.”

Around this time a friend encouraged Melanie to speak to Digby Brown – that’s how Partner Damian White got involved.

He investigated the crash and gathered the evidence needed to pursue a cycling accident claim against the insurance company of the pick-up driver.

The insurers admitted liability early on so Damian could secure three interim payments totalling £15,000 to help Melanie cover immediate costs.

As Melanie’s £3,000 Cannondale bike was made of carbon fibre it was taken to a specialist to X-ray the frame and check if it was still structurally safe – sadly it was not, so Damian added the cost of a new bike (and damaged helmet and clothing) to the value of Melanie’s claim.

Damian then arranged for the cyclist to meet a clinical psychologist to fully understand the emotional impact of the incident.

The expert found Melanie’s facial injuries caused symptoms of adjustment disorder while the crash led to feelings of anxiety linked to travelling, especially by bicycle.

But being able to identify these issues meant Melanie could access the right support to regain her confidence, independence and get back in the saddle – made all the easier by the fact that Damian was able to secure orthotic aids as part of the cycling injury claim.

Also included in Melanie’s claim was funds for any future plastic surgery treatment she may need.

Describing getting her life back, Melanie added: “Damian put me at ease from the very start.

“Everyone I met with from physios to psychologists to dentists to bike repair people were all incredibly kind and knowledgeable.

“I thought being in Castle Douglas would limit the help on offer but it didn’t – I really felt like I mattered to Damian.

“I’m delighted with the result and even happier that I can get back to work, back to cycling and back to how I used to live.

“I’d have preferred to have not been hit by the driver at all and I hope to never be in this position again, but if I was then I know I’d be coming straight to Digby Brown for help – and others should too.”