A biker from Barnsley who was badly injured in a serious motorcycle accident will receive a substantial compensation payout.
Paul Parkin, 30, underwent 20 operations on his arms, hips and legs after the accident. At one point his family believed he was going to die.
The accident happened in April 2009 when Mr Parkin was struck by a supermarket delivery van as he rode his Suzuki motorbike.
Following the crash he was forced to quit his job at National Tyres and Autocare due to the scale of his injuries.
Mr Parkin said: “Receiving the settlement is a huge relief as it will allow me to concentrate on getting back to health without worrying about the costs of rehabilitation and being unemployed.
“I may never fully recover and face more surgery to improve my condition, particularly the pain in my arm, but I hope the funds will now help me get my life back on track.
“This accident has been life-changing for me and my family. Before the crash I had an active lifestyle. My friends said I was like Tigger because I was full of energy and enthusiasm.
“I enjoyed my job, I liked to socialise, I loved riding my motorbike and Shantel and I were looking forward to planning our wedding.”
The couple are still engaged, but have but unable to set a date for their wedding.
He continued: “I’m in constant pain but I’m determined to get back to work and regain the active lifestyle I once had.”
The out-of-court compensation settlement, the total of which has not been revealed, was paid by the supermarket’s insurance company.
