22nd July 2005 
Competitive cyclist and British Cycling member, James Gowan, has received a significant amount of compensation after a car crashed into the back of his bike. 

Mr Gowan was cycling on the hard shoulder of the busy A21 to Hastings in August 2003, when a car drove into the back of his bike. He was thrown into the air and landed, skidding, onto the road.

He was taken to hospital by ambulance and had 'terrific pain' in his right hip and shoulder. He had hit his head but was wearing a helmet, and had severe abrasions on his arms, hands and legs. These injuries have almost resolved with time but he has been left with pain in his hip and shoulder and scarring on his arm, wrists and knee.

The car was driven by Glen Reed who admitted liability through his insurers, Tesco Insurance. However, they failed to respond to attempts to settle the claim and Leigh Day & Co. issued court proceedings against the driver at the local County Court.

The insurance company didn’t file a defence to the claim and a default judgement was obtained and the case was listed for a hearing for the Judge to decide how much compensation was due.

Less than 24 hours before the hearing, the driver’s legal representatives agreed to pay the full amount of the claim.

Mr Gowan has been able to start cycling again, but tends to go out in groups rather than cycling alone. He was represented by Leigh Day & Co.'s Amber Ul-Haq.