MOTORISTS around the Borders are being urged to be extra vigilant for motorcyclists after a local labourer was seriously injured in a collision.

Adam Russell, a 25-year-old roofer from Innerleithen, suffered serious injuries to his hands when a 4x4 and large 30ft trailer pulled out in front of him whilst exiting from a field just past the entrance to Glentress while riding on the A72 between Peebles and Innerleithen.

He was unable to stop in time before coming into contact with the vehicle as it moved out across his carriageway. Adam braked as heavily as he could and attempted to take evasive action by steering round the back of the vehicle, but clipped the rear of the trailer and was thrown from his motorcycle sustaining severe injury.

The incident, in September 2012, caused Adam to break his left thumb and every finger in his right hand. He required extensive surgery to insert metal pins in each finger and was left without any use of his hands for two and half months relying on the care of his mother. He couldn’t return to work for six months.

Two years later, Adam’s civil case has finally been settled in his favour after a hearing in the Court of Session. The Judge, Lady Stacey, awarded Adam the full amount of the agreed damages and placed liability for the collision upon the car driver.

In response to the decision, Adam said: “I am definitely pleased with court’s decision as it brings an end to a long and stressful two year process to prove I wasn’t responsible.

“After the accident, the injuries to my hands caused significant physical pain and mental distress as I wasn’t able to work or even really socialise, not to mention the inconvenience to my mum who also had to take time off work to care for me.

“I am really grateful to the team at Motorcycle Law Scotland (MLS) as if it weren’t for their specialist expertise and knowledge of riding motorcycles, it could have been much harder for the court to understand what happened and how and why I reacted to the vehicle emerging into my path.

Adam’s motorbike was written off in the incident and he is awaiting further surgery to remove the pins from his hands.

Brenda Mitchell, specialist lawyer at Motorcycle Law Scotland, who have offices in Peebles, added: “Adam’s case serves as a strong reminder that all road users have responsibility for their safety and the safety of others but drivers especially must remain vigilant for those on two wheels as they are particularly vulnerable to serious injury.

“In rural areas, where access points to fields are not always clearly marked, as was the case in this instance, it is vital that drivers of larger vehicles in particular are aware of the potential risk they pose when making manoeuvres onto roads with higher speed limits.

“I am delighted with the decision to award compensation to Adam as the pain and long term effects of this incident have significantly hindered multiple aspects of this young man’s life.”