A man who believes he was knocked off his bicycle in a suspected hit-and-run has issued a plea to the public for help. Darren Staniforth has been left unable to dress or feed himself since the incident in January.
In the incident, Darren shattered his right shoulder blade, fractured two ribs and chipped his right elbow while cycling to work. The 51-year-old man from Sheffield says he needs to find out what happened so he can get the help he needs to rehabilitate.
The known facts are that Darren came off his bike on Ridgeway Road, Manor Top. He is expecting to miss out on work in his job as an injection moulder for up to six months after undergoing surgery to pin and plate his shoulder. Now, Darren has asked for the help of expert serious injury lawyers to investigate the incident which he believes to be a hit and run.
This will help Darren to access any specialist support, rehabilitation and therapies that he may require because of the accident, reports YorkshireLive. Darren, who is right-handed, has been left completely reliant on his wife Andrea, 51.
He has now opened up about his ongoing battle to overcome his injuries in the hopes that it will encourage any witnesses or people with dash or helmet cam footage of the incident to come forward. On Tuesday, January 24 at around 6.30am on Ridgeway Road near the junction with Hurlfield Road, Darren was cycling to work.
Despite not remembering what exactly happened, he recalls that it was busy and traffic was very close to him. He believes that he was then hit by a vehicle which then drove off.
At the time of the incident, Darren was wearing a hi-vis jacket, while his bike had two headlamps, glow-in-the-dark wheels and a large flashing rear light. Darren also says that after the accident, he was left lying on the ground on the inside lane of the road as motorists drove past him.
Subscribe here for the latest news where you live
Eventually a woman stopped to help him before he was taken to the hospital to have his injuries treated. Darren said: "One moment I was cycling along the road and the next thing I remember was coming round on the ground and being in absolute agony.
"I remember seeing the headlights of cars driving past then a woman got out of her car to help me. When the doctors told me the extent of my injuries and what they would mean, I could hardly believe it.
"Before this I led an active life. I’ve cycled for years and always been careful. I’ve cycled along this route for years and know it like the back of my hand.
"I’d help out with the jobs at home and used to go to the gym several times a week. However, I can’t do any of that now.
"I can’t even dress myself or have a proper meal without Andrea helping me. The last few months have been incredibly stressful for me and it’s been difficult to accept what happened.
"Despite this I want to make the best recovery I can. I know it’s not going to be easy and I’ll face many challenges, but I want to get more of my old life back.
"I’d be so grateful if anyone who has any information about what happened could help. It could allow me to receive the ongoing rehabilitation and support I need."
Louise Morgan the expert serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Darren, added: "The last few months have been incredibly difficult for Darren as he battles to overcome the serious injuries he suffered. He’s still in a lot of pain, is unable to do many basic tasks for himself and continues to be reliant on Andrea.
"Surgeons have said Darren’s injuries are consistent with him being hit by a vehicle and it’s unlikely he would have suffered such severe injuries if he hadn’t been involved in a collision. Darren is likely to require extensive, ongoing physiotherapy and we’re determined to support him the best we can.
"Therefore, we’re appealing for anyone who may have more information or footage of the incident, the moments leading up to it or its aftermath, to get in touch. Any detail could be key in helping us secure the ongoing rehabilitation Darren needs to overcome his injuries and get more of his life back. Through our work we see the devastating consequences of collisions therefore it’s vital that all road users take care at all times."
Anyone who has any information about the incident can contact Louise Morgan at Irwin Mitchell on 0114 274 4478 or by emailing louise.morgan@irwinmitchell.com.
Police initially launched an investigation into the incident but it was later closed.
