Serious Injury Lawyers Help 20-Year-Old Access Specialist Rehab Allowing Him To Now Live Independently And Work

A young man who suffered life-changing injuries when a drug driver hit a bus has reached some major milestones in his recovery – living independently, working as a chef and starting to travel.

Nicky Newbon, from Monk Fryston, near Selby, was left with serious injuries when a lorry crashed into the bus he and his friend were getting off. He was 14 at the time.

Nicky was airlifted to hospital and diagnosed with a head injury, fractured knee and broken collar bone, as well as nerve damage and facial scarring. He remained in hospital for 10 days.

Mum of teenager instructs serious injury lawyers

Following the crash, in December 2018, Nicky’s mum Karen instructed lawyers. However, Karen then asked expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to take over the case and help her son access the specialist rehabilitation he needed.

During the past six years, Nicky has undergone various therapies including support from a neuropsychologist and occupational therapist.

His legal team at Irwin Mitchell has now secured Nicky an undisclosed settlement which will fund his ongoing care and any future treatment he may require.

As a result of his rehabilitation, Nicky was able to reach a significant milestone in his recovery by moving out of the family home and beginning work as a chef at a local cinema. Following settlement of his claim he has also been able to start a long-held dream of travelling.

Twenty-year-old joins legal team in issuing warning around drug driving

Now aged 20, Nicky is sharing his story as part of Road Safety Week and has joined his legal team in warning of the dangers of drug driving.

David King is the specialist serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who represented Nicky.

Expert Opinion

“Nicky suffered terrible injuries that not only left him and his family devastated but also interrupted his life at a key stage and has had a profound effect on his development.

“Through access to appropriate rehabilitation, he’s made a very impressive recovery over the past few years. While he still faces challenges, Nicky has shown great determination to embrace his rehabilitation and get his life back on track. It’s fantastic to see him living independently, working and enjoying his life.

“Nothing will ever change what Nicky has been through, but this settlement will provide Nicky with some closure and freedom regarding his future choices, whilst ensuring he is taken care of should he need future treatment.

“It’s been a privilege to have been a part of Nicky’s recovery and I wish him all the best for the future.

“However, Nicky’s story also vividly highlights the consequences innocent people can be left to face because of the actions of those who get behind the wheel with drugs in their system. We hope this case acts as deterrent to help reduce the numbers seriously injured or killed on the roads.” David King

Road Safety Week: Nicky Newbon's story

Before the collision, Nicky, a keen Leeds United supporter, loved playing football and had considered joining the armed forces.

Between 2021 and 2023, Nicky benefitted from a rehabilitation assistant who helped him return to cycling and engage in leisure activities such as hiking, paddleboarding and climbing.

He still struggles with knee pain and fatigue at times and has been through significant dental work.  He also suffers from occasional tinnitus, but his rehabilitation has taught him strategies to manage it.

As well as living independently, he passed his driving test last year and now has his own automatic car.

He began working last year at a café, before taking on his job at the cinema.

Nicky speaks out on recovery milestones

Nicky said: “I’ve never been one to quit, so when I was told how bad my injuries were after the collision, I knew that giving up wasn’t an option.

“I was only 14 when it happened so I had youth on my side and I was intent on not letting what had happened take over my life.

“I’m still a keen Leeds United fan but I haven’t played football for various reasons including tiredness and pain in my knee.  But I’m so proud of how far I’ve come and, while I still struggle from time to time, I know things can only get better.

“Living on my own was the major milestone for me and I got there.  Being able to work is great and something at times I never thought I would do.

“I’m grateful to have had the most amazing support.  By sharing my story, I hope I can make others see that you don’t have to be defined by your injuries and you can still live a fulfilled life.”

The lorry driver responsible for the crash in which Nicky was injured was found to have eight different substances in his system at the time of the collision. He was jailed for three years for two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.  He was also given a five-year driving ban.

Support available

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting families access rehab and specialist support following a collision at our dedicated road traffic accidents section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.  

Road Safety Week, organised by charity Brake, runs from 17 to 23 November. More information is available on the charity's website.