Professional driver Paul Rees has initiated legal action against the broadcaster over the 2022 crash that severely injured presenter Freddie Flintoff during a Top Gear filming segment.
Flintoff sustained serious facial injuries, broken ribs and required multiple surgeries after the open‑topped Morgan Super 3 overturned at high speed. The incident led to a £12 million compensation settlement with the broadcaster in 2023 and the temporary suspension of the programme.
Rees, who performed as The Stig from 2019 to 2022, alleges he was unfairly blamed for the accident despite limited experience with the three‑wheeler. He recounts warning Flintoff to wear a helmet, but the presenter opted for a racing cap and novelty glasses, and the crew proceeded with the plan.
During the crash, Rees described the vehicle rolling and skidding to a stop about 50 metres away, leaving both occupants upside down. He said he saw Flintoff’s blood and felt they might not survive, noting that only Flintoff’s head protected his own.
Rees claims he informed a Morgan mechanic that the car could roll only if steered backward, a warning he passed to Flintoff. Filings allege that his instructions were insufficiently clear, contributing to the mishap.
The crash triggered an emergency response that Rees says was hampered by the lack of a full‑size ambulance on site, with the nearest ambulance reportedly two hours away. He added that his own injuries were not assessed until later, despite being placed on a spinal board.
Medical examinations later revealed that Rees suffered a broken back, a condition he discovered in 2023. He is seeking up to £150 000 in personal injury compensation.
The broadcaster’s legal response disputes the claim of negligence and asserts that Rees’s instructions were faulty, positioning him as the designated professional driver on the day. The organization maintains that it provided comprehensive medical and welfare support following the incident.
Rees contends that after the accident he received little support from the broadcaster, describing an encounter in which a representative suggested he seek legal representation rather than offering assistance. He expressed disappointment, noting that his comments were initially discouraged.
Despite his grievances, Rees affirmed his appreciation for the Top Gear team and emphasized that the broadcaster should learn from the incident to improve safety and staff welfare in future productions.
