A Guernsey cyclist who represented the island at the Commonwealth Games is suing a motorist who opened a car door as he was cycling past – claiming the injuries he suffered destroyed his sports career.
James McLaughlin was knocked off his bike in London in 2020.
The cyclist represented Guernsey at the Island Games in 2011 and the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and 2018 – and had set his sights on competing in a future Tour de France.
But his plans were put on hold after a woman opened her car door on him as he cycled through West Wickham.
This incident caused Mr McLaughlin to come off his bike, and he suffered shoulder and elbow injuries.
He is understood to be claiming £1million in damages from the woman’s insurance company after claiming he also suffered head injuries.
Mr McLaughlin’s claim was heard by the Central London County Court recently, but a decision is not expected for some time after additional reports were requested.
This includes documents relating to Mr McLaughlin’s injuries, which his lawyer said had caused depression, memory loss, fatigue, and PTSD.
Express understands that the insurance company has admitted liability, but the delay centres on a dispute over whether Mr McLaughlin suffered a brain injury as well as other physical injuries.
A decision on the compensation paid to Mr McLaughlin is expected once the full details of the claim have been considered.
