A father of five died of his injuries after he was struck by a motorbike while crossing a road near his home, an inquest heard.

Harbans Lal, aged 61, of Heathfield Lane, Darlaston, was hit by an Aprilia motorcycle as he crossed the road in Wolverhampton Street on December 27 last year. His right lower leg was severed in the collision and he also suffered fractures, as well as other bruises and abrasions.

Walsall Coroners Court at Walsall Manor Hospital heard yesterday thatMr Lal suffered shock following the loss of his leg and was taken by ambulance to Manor Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The accident happened at about 9pm, shortly after Mr Lal left The Old Engine pub in Bull Street.

The widower, who worked for copper tube manufacturers Mueller Europe Ltd in Bilston for more than 30 years, had been drinking but friends and relatives said he was not drunk.

After the accident, investigating officer Pc Katrina Hall said road conditions had been wet but visibility was good.

She said it was likely Mr Lal had been walking quickly and the motorbike had been travelling between 29 and 35mph, following initial suggestions it had been going at 47mph. Motorcyclist Luke Guttridge, who held a provisional licence, said he had seen Mr Lal on the pavement but did not remember anything after he stepped into the road.

He said: “He came out in front of me at the last second. I had no chance to do anything.” Mr Guttridge also admitted that he suffered from a condition causing weakness in his hand and leg muscles but claimed it had not affected his driving ability.

Coroner Robin Balmain said the evidence suggested Mr Guttridge had been mistaken as to where he saw Mr Lal.

He said it was an accident that happened due to a combination of the motorcyclist not taking “appropriate precautions” and Mr Lal not taking “sufficient care”.

After the case, Mr Lal’s daughter Jasvinder Devi, aged 41, said: “We now have to live without our father who meant so much to us, all because of an accident which could have been prevented.”

Joanne Berry, from Manchester law firm Pannone, said the family was considering taking civil action against the motorcyclist for negligence.