July 10, 2025

Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, busses, cyclists and trams throughout Australia to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for drivers, riders, passengers, pedestrians. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of road accident compensation claims.

Incident Overview
Perth couple Dean and Sharon English are continuing their recovery after a devastating motorcycle crash in September 2024 that left both with life-changing injuries. The couple, riding along Great Eastern Highway near Meckering (130 km east of Perth), collided with an oncoming vehicle towing a caravan. Both were airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital in critical condition and later placed in induced comas. Dean was riding with Sharon as his pillion passenger.

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: September 2024 (exact date not specified)
  • Location: Great Eastern Highway, near Meckering, Western Australia

Vehicles Involved

  • Motorbike – ridden by Dean English, with Sharon English as passenger
  • Oncoming vehicle towing a caravan – involved in head-on impact

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatality:
    • No fatalities were reported.
  • Serious Injuries:
    • Dean and Sharon English each suffered traumatic leg amputations (right leg).
    • Dean also sustained severe hand injuries, including a shattered hand and lost finger.

Emergency Response
The couple were airlifted from the crash scene by helicopter to Royal Perth Hospital in critical condition. Both were placed in comas and remained hospitalised for approximately five months. They are now undergoing long-term rehabilitation at Fiona Stanley Hospital and learning to walk again using prosthetic limbs.

Investigation
WA Police were unable to determine fault in the collision. This lack of liability assignment has created complications in compensation access for Dean, the rider. While Sharon qualifies for third-party compensation as a passenger, Dean does not due to liability uncertainty and his lack of private health insurance. He may need to fund a private investigator to access support from the Insurance Commission.

Community Impact
The crash has underscored the devastating long-term consequences of motorcycle crashes in regional Western Australia. Dean, a prison officer of 33 years, is currently unable to work. His colleagues have launched a GoFundMe campaign to support his rehabilitation costs. The case has also highlighted the gaps in compensation coverage for riders in complex crash circumstances.

Safety Message
Dean urged fellow motorcyclists to always wear high-quality protective gear, stating it was likely what saved their lives. His call comes as WA’s road toll reaches its highest point in a decade.

Witnesses/Appeals
Although the investigation has concluded, any information related to the September 2024 crash near Meckering can still be directed to: