A Queensland father is in a coma overseas after a horrific scooter accident that left half his body paralyzed and brain damage, while six-figure medical bills pile up.
Brenton Simmons, 28, was riding a scooter with his partner in Thailand when they crashed into a concrete barrier. His girlfriend was wearing a helmet during the crash and was not injured.
More than half of Mr. Simmons’ brain is injured and he is unable to move one side of his body.
Brenton Simmons, 28, (right) was riding a scooter with his partner (left) when the horrific accident occurred
“He has seven broken ribs, a broken collarbone and a damaged eye socket,” his loved ones wrote in a GoFundMe for the family.
Mr Simmons’ two sons, aged three and nine, are back home in Queensland with their mother, while his partner remains by his side in hospital.
Although Mr. Simmons had travel insurance, his hospital bills were not covered because the policy did not cover these types of motorcycle accidents.
“His hospital bill alone is $80,000, and to be flown back to Australia in an air ambulance would cost $200,000.”
A friend said his mother is considering selling her house to finance medical bills.
Simmons suffered serious head injuries in the crash and his family are now raising money to bring him back to Australia
“Donations would be greatly appreciated as his family is doing everything they can to get him back to Australia where he can be with his loving family.”
It’s another reminder for Australians traveling to South East Asia to check that their travel insurance covers motorcycle accidents, as mopeds are the main mode of transport in that region.
Travel insurance companies will not cover you if you do not have your Australian motorcycle license (if you drive more than 50CC), are not wearing a helmet, are under the influence of alcohol or do not have the correct documentation such as an international driver’s license.
