'I should have been dead' - Crash victim speaks out after lorry driver ran red light

Matthew Bloomer, from Brierley Hill, has spoken for the first time about his battle to overcome his catalogue of injuries after he was hit on a pedestrian crossing

The 23-year-old suffered a number of injuries including bleeding on the brain, a fractured skull, multiple fractures to bones in his face as well as nine broken ribs when he was knocked down as he crossed the road.

Matthew had approached the crossing and waited until the green man was showing before stepping out – but as he did so he was hit by a lorry that had driven through a red light.

He spent three weeks in hospital in an induced coma following the crash. Matthew is now receiving support from legal firm Irwin Mitchell to help secure funds to pay for his rehabilitation.

After the lorry driver pleaded guilty to causing the collision, Matthew has now spoken of his battle to overcome his injuries.

He said: “I cannot actually remember the accident happening.

"To a certain extent I am glad of this because I don’t wish to remember such a frightening situation and what would have been and hopefully will ever be the worst pain of my life.

“I understand that it took various teams of paramedics, air ambulance crew and police officers to ensure that firstly I got to hospital and secondly, stayed alive, all of which I am vastly grateful for.

“It was a quick three weeks for me but it became a very long period of time for my loved ones.

"They didn’t know if I was going to live or die but still had to get up and walk out of hospital each night, not knowing if I was going to be alive next time they returned.

“I have been told by a fair few medical professionals that on paper I should have been dead.”

Matthew was walking to work when he was hit by the lorry on a crossing near Merry Hill Shopping Centre on May 18.

Moments after the crash, his partner Scott drove past the scene and noticed Matthew injured in the road.

He was then taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

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 added: “I worry now that I have become a burden, especially on my partner.

“Admittedly I was a nervous passenger before the accident but Scott and I have both noticed that I am far worse now.

"I find myself gasping and jolting at the smallest thing. I can only describe it as bracing for impact all the time.

“I am frequently told that nothing will happen but I still worry because it was whilst walking to work I almost died, I was doing nothing out the ordinary when it happened.

“But I’m now determined to focus on my recovery.

"I would like to think that after the toughest year of my life, my family and I deserve for this to be laid to rest.

"My hope in the long term is for no more bodily pain, no more sleepless nights and no more tears.

“I would like to have the Christmas with Scott that I feel we deserve after such a traumatic year.

“I understand that accidents happen, especially when on the road but it was an accident that almost cost me my life.

"I hope my experience acts as a warning as to the terrible consequences of not paying attention on the roads can have for others.”

Laura Bailey, expert serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell which is representing Matthew, said: “Matthew’s life, and the lives of his family, has been turned upside down by the careless actions of the driver in this case.

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

“Sadly we all too often see the devastation that families suffer because of motorists not obeying the Highway Code. We are pleased that the driver has admitted his guilt, allowing Matthew to focus on his continued recovery.”

The HGV driver, Lloyd Southall, admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving when he appeared at Walsall Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

The 40-year-old of Brierley Hill Road, Dudley, will be sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court on January 5.