'I've never been one to quit, I just caught the wrong bus at the wrong time'

A young man who was severely injured when a drug-impaired driver collided with a bus has made remarkable progress in his recovery journey. Nicky Newbon, who was just 14 when the crash happened, suffered a head injury, fractured knee, broken collarbone, nerve damage, and facial scarring after a lorry hit the bus he was getting off at the time.

After spending 10 days in hospital, Nicky has spent the last six years undergoing various therapies, including sessions with a neuropsychologist and an occupational therapist. His legal team at Irwin Mitchell has successfully secured an undisclosed settlement for Nicky, which will support his continued care and any future treatments.

Thanks to his rehabilitation efforts, Nicky, now 20 and hailing from Selby in north Yorkshire, has achieved the significant milestone of moving out of his family home and starting work as a chef at a local cinema. With the settlement of his claim, he has also begun to realise his dream of travelling.

READ MORE:Secret baby kept in drawer's heartbreaking reaction to hearing own name, and how she was cruelly fed

During Road Safety Week, Nicky is sharing his experience to highlight the perils of drug driving, saying: "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."

Join our WhatsApp Top Stories and, Breaking News group by clicking this link

His lawyer, David King from Irwin Mitchell, underlined the severity of the injuries and their impact: "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."

Before the collision, Nicky was passionate about football and had aspirations of joining the armed forces. From 2021 to 2023, he worked with a rehabilitation assistant who supported his return to cycling and participation in leisure activities such as hiking, paddle boarding, and climbing, reports Yorkshire Live.

He occasionally experiences knee pain and fatigue, and has undergone extensive dental work. He also deals with sporadic tinnitus, but has learned strategies to manage it through his rehabilitation.

Nicky now lives independently, having passed his driving test last year and acquired an automatic car. He also started working at a café last year before moving to his current position at a cinema.

The lorry driver involved in the crash that left Nicky injured was discovered to have eight different substances in his system at the time of the collision. He received a three-year prison sentence for two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and was also handed a five-year driving ban.