Big payout for accident victim who must ‘re-learn’ life

The crash which happened in December 2011 left the 32-year-old father from Leeds needing to “re-learn” his whole life.

The man, who has asked not to be named, fought his way back, even taking part in the London Marathon for charity, but his injuries meant he will not be able to work full time again.

Investigations by Martin Bare, a personal injury partner at Morrish Solicitors, revealed the accident started with a trailer detaching itself from a Transit van. The heavy goods vehicle travelling behind then swerved to avoid it, causing it to topple over and end up on the opposite side of the carriageway on top of the man’s car.

The driver of the Transit van was eventually charged and convicted with the use of a motor vehicle and trailer in a condition likely to cause danger or injury. The van driver’s insurers admitted liability.

The victim’s wife said: “He had to ‘re-learn’ how to be a dad – he couldn’t remember how to interact. He also suffers from speech problems, knowing what he wants to say, but can’t seem to find the right words.”

The victim added: “The outcome of my accident wasn’t just the physical pain and discomfort I suffered, but also the financial pressure it put on me. This is a situation that could have been avoided.”

Mr Bare said: “My client suffered severe injuries as a result of the accident which have ongoing effects on his daily life and ability to get back to work. I am pleased that we were able to obtain funding for him to access rehabilitation.

“This has gone a long way to him getting back to health and to work. He went on to complete the London Marathon raising funds for the brain injury charity Headway, which is a considerable achievement after everything that he has been through.”