An FBU member has received more than £17,000 in compensation after he was knocked from his bicycle in a road traffic accident.

48-year-old firefighter Baba Tinubu was cycling home from work along Commercial Road in Whitechapel, London, when an overtaking car hit him and knocked him to the ground. The fall caused injuries to his head, arms, shoulders and lower back, and meant he couldn’t work for four months. He also suffered pain across his body for almost a year after the accident.

He turned to the FBU and instructed road accident law firm, Thompsons Solicitors, to assist him with a personal injury compensation claim.

 

“I would have never had the confidence to make a compensation claim alone, but because of my union membership, I was able to speak with the legal team at the FBU and experts at Thompsons Solicitors, who ensured I wasn’t left out of pocket because of something that wasn’t my fault.”

Baba Tinubu Thompsons’ road accident client

Cyclists are some of the most vulnerable road users, and even though Baba had taken necessary safety precautions, he still suffered painful and unpleasant injuries. Despite his accident happening outside work, Baba’s union membership meant he was still covered.

Joanne Duggan Thompsons Solicitors

Baba said: “It was about 10am when the incident happened and the weather was clear, so I don’t understand why the driver didn’t see me. I’m confident I couldn’t have done anything more to avoid the accident and I’m relieved that I always wear a helmet when I’m out on my bike otherwise who knows how bad my injuries could have been.

“I would have never had the confidence to make a compensation claim alone, but because of my union membership, I was able to speak with the legal team at the FBU and experts at Thompsons Solicitors, who ensured I wasn’t left out of pocket because of something that wasn’t my fault.”

Dave Green, FBU national officer, said: “A lack of judgement by a driver not only left our member in a lot of pain and unable to work, but it also left the fire service without a dedicated professional for a number of months.

“His FBU membership ensured he had access to the support of our legal team, free of charge, who worked together with Thompsons Solicitors to ensure he had access to expert advice and 100 per cent of his settlement – something he wouldn’t have got from a high street solicitor or firms who advertise on TV.”

Joanne Duggan, of Thompsons Solicitors, added: “Cyclists are some of the most vulnerable road users, and even though Baba had taken necessary safety precautions, he still suffered painful and unpleasant injuries.

“Despite his accident happening outside work, Baba’s union membership meant he was still covered.”