AN elderly cyclist left in a wheelchair after being hit by a car is suing the man he claims caused his injuries.

Former postmaster Ronald Watts, 87, of Courtfield Road, Stanton St John, has issued High Court proceedings against Tony Smith, of Holton, in relation to a collision which took place on January 14, 2012, on the A40 flyover towards Wheatley.

Mr Watts has made a claim for catastrophic personal injury and is seeking damages in excess of £50,000.

His solicitor, Paul Paxton, of London-based Stewarts Law LLP, would not reveal the sum being sought but said it was a “substantial amount”.

He said: “These were dreadful injuries for this chap at this stage of his life, given he was so very active.

“He had a fantastic flower and vegetable garden and was cycling that day to see his sister.

“This was such an active man in his twilight years.” According to the court claim, Mr Watts was cycling towards Wheatley along Holloway Road when he was struck from behind by Mr Smith’s Nissan Navara.

As a result, he sustained multiple injuries including a severe spinal cord injury, head injuries and bruising and cuts.

He claims the injuries were caused by the defendant failing to stop, slow down, steer or otherwise manoeuvre his vehicle to avoid the collision.

He alleges Mr Smith drove his car without due care and attention.

Mr Watts lost consciousness following the collision and says he has little or no memory of the incident or the events leading up to it.

He was taken to Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital during which time he could not swallow and had no movement in his right arm or legs.

After surgery to his back, Mr Watts regained movement and sensation in his limbs.

He was transferred to the National Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville Hospital on January 23 and there he spent the next seven months completing a programme of rehabilitation.

Mr Watts is now wheelchair dependent and, according to his claim, will require care and assistance for “many aspects of his daily living”.

No criminal proceedings arose from the collision.

Mr Smith declined to comment when approached by the Oxford Mail and Mr Watts was unavailable for comment. The case is unlikely to reach the court until next year.

Mr Smith now has the option of defending the claim, admitting it, or awaiting further proceedings.