Serious Injury Lawyers Secure Settlement For HGV Driver Keen To Get ‘Life Back On Track’

A Kirklees man seriously injured in a collision has spoken out on his determination to overcome his 'ordeal' after a driver was sentenced for causing the crash.

Thomas Boothroyd, from Holmfirth, was a rear passenger in a BMW heading towards Meltham when it crashed into a wall on the B6108 Huddersfield Road.  Another passenger died at the scene.

Thomas was taken by ambulance to hospital where he was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, as well as a broken rib and injuries to his neck, back and shoulder.  He was admitted to the intensive care unit before being transferred to a ward after 24 hours.

Thomas, 28, was discharged home after eight nights.  He remains under the care of a neuro-rehabilitation consultant.

Following the crash, in March 2020, Thomas instructed serious injury experts at Irwin Mitchell to help him access the ongoing rehabilitation and therapies he requires as part of his recovery.  He’s now spoken of his determination to get his “life back on track.”  It comes after the driver of the car was jailed for eight and a half years at a hearing at Leeds Crown Court on 19 December after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and serious injury by dangerous driving. He will also be disqualified from driving for 2 years on his release.

Thomas’s legal team at Irwin Mitchell have secured him an undisclosed sum from the driver’s insurers to fund his rehabilitation and ongoing needs.

Expert Opinion

“Understandably the last two-and-a-half years coming to terms with the physical and psychological impact of the crash and losing a friend have been incredibly difficult for Thomas.

While he has made progress in his recovery, Thomas still faces challenges in relation to his injuries. Despite everything he’s been through, he has shown incredible bravery and tenacity to make an impressive recovery from a very serious injury.

We’re pleased to have been able to secure a settlement, part of which will help to fund Thomas’s ongoing therapies and rehabilitation and enable him to have a more positive future.

His story is a stark reminder of the potential dangers on the roads and we join him in urging road users to drive safely and responsibly at all times.”
David King, Serious Injury Lawyer

The crash happened during the early hours of 7 March, 2020, when Thomas was getting a lift home from a friend.  The driver attempted to navigate a bend on Huddersfield Road, South Crossland but lost control and hit a wall.

Another passenger, who was weeks away from her 21^st birthday, was fatally injured.

Since the crash, Thomas experiences both physical and psychological difficulties.  He complains of pain and headaches. He also suffers from impaired memory and concentration, fatigue, stress and anxiety.

He enjoyed socialising and going to the gym prior to the crash, however he is unable to do this to the same level as before.

He also previously worked as a road surfacer and wagon driver and had aspirations to drive articulated lorries in future, but his HGV Class 2 driving licence was revoked due to an increased risk of seizure following his head injury.  With assistance from Irwin Mitchell, he was cleared by a neurologist as safe to drive and has now had his HGV Class 2 licence returned and is able to start training for his HGV Class 1 licence.

Thomas said: “It’s been two-and-a-half years since the crash, but it still affects me to this day. What happened remains etched on my mind and it’s been incredibly difficult to try and move on from it.

“It’s not just the pain and physical issues that get to me, I’m also really struggling with the mental side of things. I often get tired and struggle to concentrate and remember things like I used to. My moods can also be very up and down which really puts a strain on me.

“However, I’m still young and I’m determined to overcome my ordeal and get my life back on track as best I can.

“For a long time, my dream has been to drive articulated lorries and I was devastated when my licence was taken away so to be told that the medical team are happy for me to recommence my driving was such a relief.

“While I can’t change what’s happened to me, I’m continuing to work hard on my recovery and am so grateful for the specialist care I’ve been provided with.  In the meantime, I want to share my story to urge others to take care on the roads. I wouldn’t wish what I’ve been through on anyone.”

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling serious injury cases