“My life was turned upside down” says accident victim lorry driver

A LORRY driver has told how he had his life “turned upside down” after he was seriously injured when his truck was hit by a van while making a delivery.

Father of three James Finney from Harthill was delivering wooden sleepers to the Station Hotel in Finningley in April when the accident happened.

The 42-year-old said: “This incident has had a huge impact on my life as I can no longer do the things I have always enjoyed.

“I loved to keep fit and take part in charity walks, but I know that for the time-being those activities are a distant memory for me.”

Mr Finney was at the back of his truck, lowering the tail lift, when he stopped to help guide the van driver into the hotel’s car park.

When he turned back to what he was doing, the van hit him.

He was pinned to the back of his truck and dragged along the tail-lift.

Mr Finney suffered injuries to his back, ribs and leg, as well as serious internal abdominal injuries and spent 11 days in Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

He underwent two operations to remove part of his bowel and appendix and has been unable to work since.

A keen motorcyclist and fitness fanatic before the accident, he has now instructed lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate and to secure specialist support and rehabilitation to aid his recovery.

Mr Finney, who completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge for cancer research charities in 2014, said: “The accident has completely turned my life upside down

“My injuries and the time I spent in hospital have also affected my family, my working life and my enjoyment of simple things like food, as I can no longer eat the things I used to due to the internal injuries I suffered.

“I hope speaking out will make drivers think carefully about how they drive in future.”

A police investigation led to the driver of the transit van that struck him being fined and given seven penalty points.

Ian Whittaker, an expert serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, who is representing Mr Finney, said: “We are now working to secure James, who has been unable to work since April, funds that will cover his lost earnings and ensure he is able to access the help and support he needs as he continues his rehabilitation after this horrendous ordeal.

“James suffered terrible injuries in this incident and we would urge all road users to take their responsibilities for safety very seriously.”