Dental Technician Instructs Serious Injury Lawyers To Help Him Access Therapies And Rehabilitation
A Kent motorcyclist seriously injured when he was hit by a car has revealed the ‘devastating’ impact the crash has had on his life.
Leon Zanre, a dental technician from Sandwich, was travelling along the A257 Canterbury Road when a car turned out of a junction into his path and collided with his motorcycle.
Leon was taken to Kings College Hospital in London by the emergency services, where he was diagnosed with a catalogue of injuries including serious pelvic and spinal fractures, as well as internal bleeding.
He remained in hospital for almost seven weeks.
Following the crash, in July 2022, Leon, 35, instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access the ongoing rehabilitation and therapies he requires as part of his recovery.
After the driver of the car pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless driving and driving without insurance, Zanre has thanked those who have supported him, including emergency services and doctors for saving his life.
Expert Opinion
“The past few months have understandably been tough for Leon as he attempts to come to terms with the physical and psychological impact of the crash and the injuries he sustained.
While he continues to make progress with his recovery, he still faces many challenges ahead. We’re determined to support Leon so he can access the specialist treatment he needs to maximise his recovery.
We therefore welcome today’s plea from the driver, which we hope will allow Leon to start moving forward with his life. His case should also be a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by road users and the need for everyone to stay safe on the roads at all times.” Peter Lorence, Serious Injury Lawyer
The crash happened on 11 July, 2022, when Leon was riding home from his work at a dental practice.
As well as spinal and pelvic fractures Leon sustained injuries including fractures to his left elbow and hand. He also suffered damaged tendons and nerve damage in his right leg and required major knee reconstruction.
Since his discharge from hospital on 26 August 2022, Leon has been cared for by his wife Zoe, 36. The couple also have a four-year-old son, Abel.
Leon has been advised by medics that it may be another two to three years before he can walk properly again.
He said: “It’s been six months since my life was turned upside down. To this day, I don’t remember much about the crash myself, but to hear what happened and be told the seriousness of my injuries was devastating.
“Until then, I had been fit and active. I’ve always enjoyed sports and loved playing football with Abel but I don’t know if I’ll be able to do that again.
“I was in such a bad way in hospital that I didn’t even get to see Abel for five weeks, which was heartbreaking. When I got home, I had to use a zimmer frame and I now use a stick to get about. It could be a long time before I can walk properly again and to be told that was incredibly upsetting. I also don’t know if I’ll ever return to work.
“However, I’ve had such great support from family and friends, and Zoe has been amazing. I would never have got through this without her and I’m determined to work hard at my recovery, not just for me, but for Zoe and Abel too.
“I know nothing can change what I’ve been through, but I want to share my story as I’m still so angry and upset that this happened to me. I want to urge drivers to be safe and responsible as the consequences of careless or dangerous driving can be devastating.
“Meanwhile, I also want to say thank you to the Kent Air Ambulance and Kings College Hospital in London as I don’t know if I would still be there today without them. They saved my life.”
A sentencing hearing is scheduled to take place on 26 April.
Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling serious injury cases