Shocking Truth Revealed: How Forgiving the Driver Who Took My Leg Taught Me Life's Most Valuable Lesson
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In a world where the roads are increasingly becoming a stage for tragedy and loss, the story of Mario Attard stands out as a beacon of resilience and forgiveness. The 58-year-old former lawn mowing business owner's life took an unexpected turn on August 11 last year, when a routine ride on his motorbike to Supercheap Auto in Melton, west of Melbourne, ended in a catastrophic accident that cost him his leg.
Mario's day began like any other, but as he rode through an intersection with the green light on his side, an inattentive driver performing an illegal turn struck him. The impact was devastating. Mario recalls the car hitting his ankle, jamming it into his motorbike's engine, and being dragged along with the bike. The moments that followed were a blur of pain and confusion, with fleeting images of paramedics and friends flashing before his eyes like disjointed frames of a film.
The severity of his injuries was such that Mario stopped breathing three times due to blood loss while en route to the hospital in the ambulance. The quick actions of the paramedics saved his life, but the road to recovery was paved with challenges. When he awoke from surgery, he was informed that his leg had been amputated below the knee. With a sense of humor that belies the gravity of his situation, Mario joked about not being in heaven and accepted the loss of his leg with a stoic 'oh well, there goes my leg.'
Mario's journey of rehabilitation has been nothing short of inspirational. Within days of the amputation, he was moving around his room, and he even managed to get on a friend's bike shortly after the operation. His passion for riding was undiminished by the accident, and he now rides a three-wheeled Harley Davidson, despite the ongoing struggle to walk properly. He spends three months in rehab learning to walk again and continues to attend rehab three times a week, complemented by swimming sessions.
The tight-knit riding community has rallied around Mario, offering support and encouragement. Yet, despite his courage, Mario admits to feeling nervous when passing the site of the crash. He is all too aware of his vulnerability on the road, and the sight of poor driving or near misses still sends shivers down his spine.
October is Motorcyclist Awareness Month, and Mario has chosen this time to share his story in the hope that it will encourage motorists to be more mindful of riders. His message is clear: 'Drivers watch riders, and riders watch drivers.' He is passionate about advocating for change and raising awareness about the presence of various road users, from cars and buses to trucks and bikes.
Remarkably, Mario harbors no resentment towards the driver who caused the accident. He has forgiven him, recognizing the incident as an unfortunate accident. The driver had covered Mario's leg with his jacket, called for help, and stayed by his side throughout the ordeal. However, Mario is adamant that such accidents are preventable and urges everyone to pay attention, check blind spots, and be vigilant on the roads.
Maggie Attalla, Mario's lawyer from Arnold Thomas & Becker, representing him in a Transport Accident Commission claim, emphasizes that motorbike riders are among the most vulnerable road users. She urges drivers to be vigilant and remember their responsibility not only for themselves but for the lives of others.
Mario's life has been irrevocably altered, and while his attitude towards his circumstances is commendable, he still faces the challenge of adapting to life without his leg and the psychological trauma that will accompany him forever.
Mario's story is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety. It also teaches us a profound lesson about the strength of the human spirit and the power of forgiveness. As we navigate the roads and the journey of life, let us take a moment to reflect on Mario's experience and the lessons we can learn from his remarkable resilience and grace in the face of adversity.
Members, have you or someone you know been affected by a road accident? How did you cope with the aftermath, and what changes do you think need to be made to improve road safety? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and let's continue the conversation about making our roads safer for everyone.
Mario's day began like any other, but as he rode through an intersection with the green light on his side, an inattentive driver performing an illegal turn struck him. The impact was devastating. Mario recalls the car hitting his ankle, jamming it into his motorbike's engine, and being dragged along with the bike. The moments that followed were a blur of pain and confusion, with fleeting images of paramedics and friends flashing before his eyes like disjointed frames of a film.
Mario Attard is now back on the road with a three-wheeled Harley Davidson motorcycle. Image Credit: Mario Attard
The severity of his injuries was such that Mario stopped breathing three times due to blood loss while en route to the hospital in the ambulance. The quick actions of the paramedics saved his life, but the road to recovery was paved with challenges. When he awoke from surgery, he was informed that his leg had been amputated below the knee. With a sense of humor that belies the gravity of his situation, Mario joked about not being in heaven and accepted the loss of his leg with a stoic 'oh well, there goes my leg.'
Mario's journey of rehabilitation has been nothing short of inspirational. Within days of the amputation, he was moving around his room, and he even managed to get on a friend's bike shortly after the operation. His passion for riding was undiminished by the accident, and he now rides a three-wheeled Harley Davidson, despite the ongoing struggle to walk properly. He spends three months in rehab learning to walk again and continues to attend rehab three times a week, complemented by swimming sessions.
The tight-knit riding community has rallied around Mario, offering support and encouragement. Yet, despite his courage, Mario admits to feeling nervous when passing the site of the crash. He is all too aware of his vulnerability on the road, and the sight of poor driving or near misses still sends shivers down his spine.
October is Motorcyclist Awareness Month, and Mario has chosen this time to share his story in the hope that it will encourage motorists to be more mindful of riders. His message is clear: 'Drivers watch riders, and riders watch drivers.' He is passionate about advocating for change and raising awareness about the presence of various road users, from cars and buses to trucks and bikes.
Remarkably, Mario harbors no resentment towards the driver who caused the accident. He has forgiven him, recognizing the incident as an unfortunate accident. The driver had covered Mario's leg with his jacket, called for help, and stayed by his side throughout the ordeal. However, Mario is adamant that such accidents are preventable and urges everyone to pay attention, check blind spots, and be vigilant on the roads.
Maggie Attalla, Mario's lawyer from Arnold Thomas & Becker, representing him in a Transport Accident Commission claim, emphasizes that motorbike riders are among the most vulnerable road users. She urges drivers to be vigilant and remember their responsibility not only for themselves but for the lives of others.
Mario's life has been irrevocably altered, and while his attitude towards his circumstances is commendable, he still faces the challenge of adapting to life without his leg and the psychological trauma that will accompany him forever.
Mario's story is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety. It also teaches us a profound lesson about the strength of the human spirit and the power of forgiveness. As we navigate the roads and the journey of life, let us take a moment to reflect on Mario's experience and the lessons we can learn from his remarkable resilience and grace in the face of adversity.
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