Specialist support helped John ride again after life-changing injuries

Motorbikes had been part of John Webber’s life since he was six years old. In July 2021, a serious road traffic collision left him with life-changing injuries and an uncertain future.

John sustained a traumatic brain injury, orthopaedic injuries and significant internal injuries. He spent 52 days in hospital, including several weeks in an induced coma in critical care. A series of operations followed.

When John left hospital, he still faced pain and problems with his mobility. He spent long periods using a wheelchair and faced the possibility that he might never ride a motorbike again.

John was supported throughout his claim by Stacy Clements, Partner and Principal Solicitor for Spinal Cord Injury at Minster Law, who worked to secure the rehabilitation and practical support he needed.

Minster Law worked with the defendant’s insurer to secure funding for John’s rehabilitation under the Rehabilitation Code. This meant that he did not have to wait until his claim had settled before receiving specialist help.

The firm also arranged dedicated case management to oversee John’s rehabilitation. Rather than leaving John and his family to organise the different parts of his treatment themselves, the case manager coordinated the specialists involved, monitored his progress and kept his rehabilitation on track.

This support gave John access to treatment and equipment selected around his individual needs. It included a custom-made brace which helped him take his first unaided steps in years.

Progress took time. John still faced pain and difficulties with his mobility, but he kept working at his rehabilitation. His children were one of the reasons he refused to give up.

“Motorbikes have been my love and passion since I was six. After the accident there were so many things I was told I would never do again,” John said.

“You can either give up, or you can turn it into a positive and get on with it. I couldn’t give up. I didn’t want my kids to see me like that. There is life after trauma, and people need to see that.”

John’s claim settled in December 2023. The settlement gave him the security to buy and adapt a home of his own, helping him live more independently and continue his recovery with the right arrangements in place for the future.

John has since returned to motorcycling. He also volunteers as a peer supporter for Day One Trauma Support, drawing on his own experience to reassure people who are beginning their recovery after a serious injury.

In September 2026, he plans to ride across four countries to raise money and awareness for Day One Trauma Support, The Bike Experience and the National Association for Bikers with a Disability. Each organisation supported him following the collision.

Minster Law’s involvement has continued beyond the conclusion of John’s claim. The firm is supporting his fundraising challenge and helping him draw attention to the charities that played an important part in his recovery.

For John, the ride is an opportunity to return to something he has loved since childhood while helping others by facing the same fear and uncertainty he experienced.

“If I can give someone a little bit of hope and belief, and give back to the charities that helped me, it will all be worth it,” he said.