Bassetlaw man's safety warning after being '˜thrown out of car' in horror crash

A Bassetlaw man who was catapulted from a car during a high-speed crash- despite wearing a seatbelt- has spoken out about road safety.
Jake Henderson hopes his ordeal will serve as a warning to motorists in Bassetlaw.Jake Henderson hopes his ordeal will serve as a warning to motorists in Bassetlaw.
Jake Henderson hopes his ordeal will serve as a warning to motorists in Bassetlaw.

Jake Henderson, 25, was a passenger in a car being driven along Welham Road on the A620 in December 2014 when his friend lost control of the vehicle and it left the road, rolling several times and ending up in a nearby field.

Jake was a rear passenger in the vehicle and was thrown out of the window at the back of the vehicle, despite wearing his seatbelt at the time of the accident.

He suffered a fractured ankle, as well as injuries to his back, shoulder and neck and was taken by ambulance to Doncaster Royal Infirmary where he remained for three days.

Jake, a telesales executive from Retford, said: “This accident has had a huge impact on my life.

“I couldn’t believe it when I ended up being thrown out of the car. I was wearing my seatbelt at the time and I was only thrown out when the seat I was sat in broke during the crash.

“The injuries to my ankle, neck and back left me struggling to get out of bed and I had to take four months off work.

“I could no longer do the job I used to and I’ve had a succession of jobs in a short space of time that have been impossible due to the pain I’m in on a regular basis.

“Hopefully, people will see what has happened to me and think carefully about staying safe on the road and protecting themselves, as well as the people who they have in their car.”

Jake has been able to access physiotherapy and rehabilitation he required but the driver’s insurance company has failed to admit liability for the injuries.

Jake says it has therefore been difficult for him to put the ordeal behind him.

Elizabeth Whitehead, a serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, who is representing Jake, said: “The ongoing problems Jake is suffering indicates just how serious road accidents can be for those involved.

“Sadly for Jake, the injuries he suffered continue to have a significant impact on his life and he is facing the possibility of major surgery to help alleviate the pain he suffers every day.

“He was unable to work for a long period of time and has struggled to find a position that does not leave him in severe pain. As well as the physical injuries, he has also has psychological barriers to overcome.

“Jake has been through a frustrating 18 months since the accident and we believe the rehabilitation put in place for him by the driver’s insurance company is less than adequate for his needs.”