Rockhampton mum Crystal Jasperson hit by four-wheel drive

A Queensland mum of two who was hit by a four-wheel drive while riding her bicycle through a roundabout says her mind went straight to her kids and “was terrified they were about to lose their mum”. VIDEO.

In the moment a Rockhampton mother of two was hit by a four-wheel drive while riding her bicycle she says her mind went straight to her kids as she was “terrified they were about to lose their mum”.

Crystal Jasperson, 39, was cycling through the roundabout at Berserker St and Kerrigan St, Frenchville, on September 7, 2022 about 5pm when the driver of a LandCruiser allegedly failed to give way and hit her.

Ms Jasperson, who works as a project officer and is a single mother to Sophie, 11, and Oliver, 9, said she rode that route twice a week to stay fit and was on her way home when she was allegedly struck.

She believes she is lucky to be alive.

Crystal Jasperson was hit by a four-wheel drive while riding her bicycle through a roundabout in Rockhampton. Picture: Aden Stokes

“I was just riding my usual route just for fitness and I’ve checked my left and it was clear, so I continued through the roundabout,” she said.

“The last thing I saw was a big black bullbar, and I just thought ‘this isn’t going to be good’.

“As soon as I felt the impact my mind went straight to my kids. In that moment I was terrified they were about to lose their mum.

“The driver just didn’t stop. If she’d hit me a second earlier it would’ve been all over, which is a horrible thing to have to keep grappling with.”

Injuries sustained by Crystal Jasperson. Picture: Contributed

Ms Jasperson said the driver of the LandCruiser pulled over after the roundabout and said she didn’t see her and was sorry.

She suffered cuts and bruises, spent weeks on crutches, and has been left trying to manage the pain of lingering injuries to her neck and hip.

“The pain and recovery has been horrible, as well as the psychological effects,” Ms Jasperson said.

“I get regular headaches, neck pain, and I’ve been getting physio for my shoulder.

Injuries sustained by Crystal Jasperson. Picture: Contributed

“Anything above head with my arms is difficult. I can no longer mow the lawn.”

She said her therapist told her she needed to get back on a bike so she didn’t suffer mentally and was back riding within the first three months.

“You can’t give up and I have children so I have to keep pushing,” Ms Jasperson said.

Shine Lawyers Rockhampton solicitor Jeri Murray says the crash, which was captured by a home security camera, is a confronting reminder for drivers to take care on the road.

Injuries sustained by Crystal Jasperson. Picture: Contributed

“That split second mistake has turned Crystal’s life upside down,” Ms Murray said.

“She’s struggling to work because of the pain, and it makes it so much harder to take care of her kids.

“Watching the footage, it’s plain to see this could have had an incredibly tragic outcome.”

Shine Lawyers is helping Crystal with her CTP claim to minimise the financial burden the crash has on her family.

Shine Lawyers Rockhampton solicitor Jeri Murray and Crystal Jasperson. Picture: Aden Stokes

Ms Murray said the claim was lodged in late September 2022 against Allianz Insurance.

“Crystal’s got a long road ahead to fully recover both physically and mentally from this crash, and we’ll look to ensure she can concentrate on getting better rather than worrying about how she’s going to provide for her kids,” Ms Murray said.

“No court proceedings have been filed at this time.

“We are hoping to settle it and get a good outcome for Crystal without going through the court process.”

Ms Jasperson said she wants cyclists to feel safe and seen.

“Talking to other cyclists they also have said they have had a lot of near misses with cars,” she said.

“It just goes to show a lot of bikes are not being seen on the road.

“We deserve to have a right to be on the road as much as anyone else.”