A London cyclist who suffered a traumatic brain injury, spinal fracture and PTSD after being struck by a speeding driver has spoken of his ordeal — and the long and difficult battle that followed as he tried to rebuild his life. 

 

David Prince, 48, from Buckhurst Hill in Essex, had been cycling along Mile End Road in January 2021 when he was hit with such force that he was thrown from his bike and left unconscious at the roadside. 

Mr Prince before the collision

 

The driver fled the scene but was later identified and prosecuted, ultimately receiving only a small fine after pleading guilty to several offences, including failing to stop. Yet over four years later, David says the crash has “changed everything”, leaving him with chronic pain and persistent PTSD symptoms. 

 

Following the incident David used Unite legal services through his Unite membership to instruct experts at Thompsons Solicitors, bringing a claim for compensation against the driver’s insurance company. While the case settled out of court for a significant sum last month, reflecting the severity of his injuries, David says the claims process left him feeling “like a number, not a victim”. 

 

David, a financial adviser who has struggled to return to work since the incident, said: “This has been a long and difficult process during which the defendant’s insurers debated the extent of my injuries, and questioned just how much they were truly affecting me.” 

 

Proceedings had been issued and the case was listed for trial in March 2026 before a joint settlement meeting brought the matter to a conclusion. With the case now settled, David can finally fund the specialist treatment he has needed for years. 

 

Throughout the process, David was represented by Kam Singh, serious injury and road traffic collision specialist at Thompsons Solicitors. David says Kam “showed up when I needed him most” — providing exceptional support during some of the most challenging moments of the past four years. 

 

David said: “The crash changed my life in ways I am still coming to terms with. What made it even harder was how the insurers treated me. At times I felt like a number, not a victim — like they were far more interested in saving money than understanding what I was actually going through. 

 

“Kam showed up when I needed him most. His support went above and beyond anything I expected, and I will always be grateful for that. The wider team at Thompsons also gave me level-headed, practical advice through a very difficult process. 

 

“I’m relieved to have reached a settlement, but the amount - while substantial - doesn’t truly reflect what I have lost physically, mentally and professionally.  

 

“My message to drivers is simple: please think about vulnerable road users, and take responsibility for your actions on the road. What might feel like a momentary lapse in judgment for you can change someone else’s entire life. 

 

“To anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation to mine, I would say: get help, and make sure you have the right people behind you. I was incredibly fortunate to have Thompsons and Unite on my side — the outcome could have been much worse without that support.” 

 

Kam Singh said: “David was a vulnerable road user struck by a speeding driver who fled the scene, and the consequences for him have been devastating. These cases highlight just how exposed cyclists and other vulnerable people are on London’s roads, and how a single moment can lead to life-changing injuries. 

 

“David has shown remarkable resilience, and it has been a privilege to support him. We are pleased to have secured a settlement that will finally allow him to access the treatment he needs.” 

 

David hopes that by sharing his story he can raise awareness of the challenges injured cyclists face — not only at the moment of collision, but in the years that follow. 

 

He added: “I also want to thank Unite. Being a union member gave me access to this support and meant I kept 100% of my compensation. People don’t usually think of union membership in the financial sector, but I’m living proof of why it matters.”