A former roadside mechanic, who is still coming to terms with the life changing injuries he sustained when a car crashed into him on a North Yorkshire road, has received £350,000 in compensation.
The man from North Yorkshire was working as a roadside recovery mechanic for local firm Metcalfe's in February 2009 when he attended a breakdown on the A61, his last job of the day. Despite the fact he was wearing high visibility clothing and his van's flashing warning lights were on, the driver of an oncoming car smashed into the vehicle he was recovering, and his van before hitting him.
In the collision the mechanic sustained life changing injuries including a fractured chin bone, extensive damage to his left knee, a head injury and cuts and abrasions. The accident also had a significant impact on his mental health and in the past three years he has been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder, depression and still suffers debilitating anxiety attacks.
Expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell's Leeds office have now successfully secured compensation in excess of £350,000. The settlement will provide the client with the funds to pay for general day-to-day care and help around the house with cleaning and gardening.
Cathryn Godfrey, a serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell said:
"We see too often the devastating consequences road accidents can have on victims whose health, independence and family life has been completely turned upside down by their injuries. This is a heartbreaking case in which a hardworking family man was hurt simply going about his job helping a driver who had broken down.
"The settlement will provide my client with some financial security and peace of mind that he will be able to continue to access the rehabilitation he still needs to ease the pains in his knee and the therapy which helps him deal with his feelings of anxiety and depression.
"The case highlights the impact road accidents can have on people's lives and we hope it will encourage motorists to be extra vigilant on the roads so that other people who work in vulnerable conditions on the roads are better protected."
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a car accident, our
serious injury lawyers could help you claim compensation. Visit our
Car Accident Compensation page for more information.
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