Cyclist suffers severe head trauma after colliding with e-scooter on a one-way street. Rider admits careless driving.
The crash caused the woman serious injuries. He admitted careless driving in court. The accident happened around 6:40 AM when the woman turned onto Derringham Street, riding her bike against traffic flow.
Clark, age 18, rode his e-scooter the wrong way as well. The woman moved from the sidewalk and entered the cycle lane before Clark, not noticing him at all.
Clark lacked time to stop, though his speed didn’t cause the crash. The woman sustained severe head trauma. Clark called for an ambulance immediately, and she was taken to the local hospital.
He left the scene afterwards. Police asked for information twice, and a coworker contacted them after the second request, as Clark had discussed the incident.
The woman suffered skull fractures and a brain injury, staying in the hospital for eight days. Her sight and memory were affected, and her sense of smell worsened, leading to mood swings and emotional distress. She lost her job and remains unable to work.
Clark secured her bike after the crash. He wasn’t aware of the police appeal and made sure she was okay, according to his lawyer. Furthermore, he didn’t hide anything.
He went to work after the crash and told a colleague about the accident. He cooperated with police, and Clark is sorry for what occurred, understanding the significant impact.
Clark worked full-time for four years and was awaiting an apprenticeship. He had no prior convictions before this incident.
The judge called it a tragic accident where the victim now has severe problems. Both were traveling in the wrong direction. She entered the cycle lane without looking and didn’t see Clark coming, leaving him without time to react and avoid the collision.
Her life changed because of this crash. Clark did not possess a license at the time.The judge noted it was a lapse in attention and that he was also a vulnerable road user.
Clark received 80 hours of unpaid work and must pay £400 in costs. He was banned from driving for a year, and the judge did not order any compensation.