Man Receiving Support From Irwin Mitchell Issues Road Safety Warning Following Collision

A man seriously injured on a pedestrian crossing by a HGV running a red light has welcomed the sentence handed to the driver who nearly killed him.

Matthew Bloomer spent three weeks in hospital in an induced coma following the collision in Dudley. Doctors feared that the 23-year-old would not survive his injuries.

But now Matthew, who is receiving support from serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell, has revealed he is ‘glad’ he was injured in the collision because someone not as healthy as him may not have survived.

He said: “In a way I am glad that it was me who was on the crossing that day. It could have just as easily been a lady and her child in a pram or an elderly pedestrian, and then I fear the outcome of survival may not have happened.”

Matthew was on his way to work when he approached the crossing near Merry Hill Shopping Centre in Brierley Hill, Dudley, on May 18 last year.

As he stepped out into the road - when the green man was showing - he was hit by Lloyd Southall’s lorry. Moments later Matthew’s partner Scott drove past the scene and noticed Matthew injured in the road.

Matthew was taken to Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital with a bleed on the brain, a fractured skull, multiple fractures to bones in his face as well as nine broken ribs.

As well as trying to overcome his physical injuries, Matthew also now suffers from severe headaches and is at a greater risk of seizures.

He is receiving support from serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help secure funds to pay for his rehabilitation.

Southall, of Brierley Hill, Dudley, today received a 10 month jail term suspended for two years at Wolverhampton Crown Court. The 41-year-old was banned from driving for two years and ordered to undertake an extended retest. He must carry out 100 hours' unpaid work and pay £200 costs as well as a victim surcharge.

Southall had pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving at Dudley Magistrates’ Court last month.

Matthew, who cannot remember the collision added: “What was just an ordinary walk to work ended with my life being changed forever because of the actions of the lorry driver.

“The driver being sentenced is a major milestone for me in helping with my recovery. I am glad the court recognised the seriousness of the lorry driver’s actions in the sentence the driver received.

“However, more importantly I hope that my story acts as a warning to other motorists about the dangers of not paying attention on the roads. A momentary lapse can have devastating consequences for other road users and their families as well as the relatives of those who break the law.

“While I know I have challenges ahead I now want to look to the future and concentrate on my recovery.”

Expert Opinion

With our work in helping those injured on the roads through no fault of their own, we regularly see the impact not obeying the Highway Code can have on people’s lives. Matthew’s story sadly is the latest example of this.

“Matthew has made great progress considering the seriousness of his injuries but he still faces a lengthy battle to try and overcome the multitude of injuries sustained the best he can.

“We will continue to work with Matthew and his family to make sure he gets the specialist help and support he needs to help boost his recovery and rehabilitation.” Laura Bailey - Solicitor

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling serious injury cases.