A close call: An important message for Motorcyclist Awareness month In the last five years, almost 200 motorcycle riders and pillion passengers have been killed on Victorian roads. October is Motorcyclist Awareness month – a cause particularly close to our client’s heart after he lost his leg in a senseless crash involving a motorist. On Friday, August 11 2023, Mario Attard set out for a normal ride on his motorbike to Supercheap Auto in Melton. It was only a ride down the road for the Melton resident but his life would change forever on this occasion. He remembers coming through an intersection with lights on High Street, when he was struck by a driver performing an illegal turn. “I remember being hit,” he said. “I remember the car hitting my ankle and jamming it into my engine, and being dragged with the bike after I went through the air.” From there, he said he remembers images of people, paramedics and friends “coming in and out like picture frames”. He was in the ambulance with a lot of people talking to him, which he vaguely remembers, however he stopped breathing three times in the ambulance due to the blood loss he was experiencing.“The paramedics brought me back to life.” “I don’t remember much after that. The next thing I remember is being at the hospital, waking up.”Mario had woken from a surgery to amputate his leg below the knee. But he has always kept a positive outlook and his sense of humour. “When the doctor asked if I knew where I am, I said I couldn’t possibly be in heaven. He told me about the amputation, and then I said, ‘oh well, there goes my leg.’” Following surgery, Mr Attard floored friends and doctors with his positivity. Within days he was getting himself out of bed and around his room. “Just hours after the operation a good friend of mine came up to see me and straight away I jumped on his bike and burnt all the bandages off my leg. It’s a passion, and it was important to me to continue riding.” He spent three months in rehab learning to walk again, determined to get out and get back on his motorbike. To this day he still has rehab three times a week and he swims as well. The leg amputation hasn’t stopped him; Mario now rides a three-wheeled Harley Davidson, however he still has much difficulty walking and only just began walking properly mid-2024. He says despite the mixed emotions from those around him, he has the support of the tight-knit riding community who look out for him and encourage him. An important message for road users However, Mr Attard knows he isn’t invincible and still gets nervous when riding past the site of the incident, or when he is the passenger of a car and he witnesses poor driving and close calls. In aide of Motorbike Safety Awareness month, Mr Attard has a message for the wider community – drivers watch riders, and riders watch drivers. “During rehab, I was alarmed at how many other people there were rebuilding their life again following injuries caused by road accidents and I’m passionate about making change. “I just want everybody to be aware of who is on the road – from cars to buses to trucks to bikes,” he said.“I forgive the driver who hit me. It was an accident; wrong place, wrong time. He covered my leg with his jacket, he screamed for help, and he didn’t leave my side. But I have to live without my leg for the rest of my life and it didn’t need to happen like this.” “Pay attention. Check your blind spots and everyone just watch out; there is not enough awareness these days and you see reckless behaviour on the roads every day.” Arnold Thomas & Becker lawyer, Maggie Attalla, who is representing Mr Attard with his TAC claim, said, “October being Motorbike Safety Awareness month is a timely reminder that riders are one of the most vulnerable users of our roads.” “People often miss motorbike riders in their blind spots, or because they’re expecting to see a car. When you get behind the wheel you have to be vigilant and remember you’re not only responsible for yourself, but also the lives of those around you.” “And as a driver, you don’t want to be responsible for the injury, or worse, the life of another person. The ripple effects of these accidents reach far and wide.” “Mario’s life is forever changed. While he has an amazing attitude about what has happened to him, he still faces adapting to a life without his leg as well as the psychological trauma that he will live with forever.” Injured on the road? If you’ve been injured in a road accident, we understand how stressful this can be, and the last thing you want to be doing is worrying about your financial situation. Permanent injuries can be life changing and you might be eligible for compensation, so we encourage you to contact us to see how we can help you ease the burden. Contact us For more information about TAC claims and eligibility, visit our TAC page. At Arnold Thomas & Becker, we operate on a No Win No Fee basis. To talk to one of our lawyers, call us on 03 9034 8433.