A BRIERLEY Hill man seriously injured when he was hit by a HGV on a pedestrian crossing has spoken for the first time about his battle to overcome his injuries.

Matthew Bloomer suffered bleeding on the brain, a fractured skull, multiple fractures to his face plus nine broken ribs when he was knocked down by a lorry as he crossed the road near Merry Hill shopping centre.

The 23-year-old spent three weeks in hospital in an induced coma following the crash on May 18 and has been receiving support from serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help secure funds to pay for his rehabilitation.

Speaking for the first time since the crash, he said he has no recollection of the incident but his partner Scott happened to drive past the scene moments later and saw him injured in the road.

He said: “I understand 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."

Matthew, who had been walking to work at the time, was taken to Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital - the region's trauma unit - and he said: “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.

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

As well as battling to overcome his physical injuries, Matthew has also been left with severe headaches and a greater risk of seizures and he said: “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 am frequently told 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."

HGV driver Lloyd Southall, aged 40, of Brierley Hill, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving at Dudley Magistrates’ Court on December 8 and is due to be sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court on January 5.

Meanwhile - Matthew is "determined" to focus on his recovery and he said: "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 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 representing Matthew, said: “Matthew’s life 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.

“We are pleased the driver has admitted his guilt, allowing Matthew to focus on his continued recovery.”