A MOTORCYCLIST who suffered life-changing injuries after he was knocked off his bike has bravely spoken out in the hope that his fight will act as a stark warning to driver to take more care on the roads.

Matthew Beasley from Woolston needed nine operations over a two year period on his right leg after a car pulled out in front of him on the A41 near Chester in August 2011.

The 46-year-old had little time to react when an elderly motorist pulled out from a side road directly into his path.

This caused the former HGV driver to ride straight into the side of the car with the impact throwing him from his bike onto a grass verge.

The driver, who was 83 at the time of the crash, surrendered his driving licence to the police following the incident.

Matthew said: "The accident just completely turned my life upside down.

"My work was going really well and I was in line to get a permanent contract with a national logistics company but the accident took all of that away.

“I was devastated that I would no longer be able to do my job. It’s taken me a long time to come to terms with the fact that I will probably never drive a lorry again.

"The past few years have been horrendous with being in and out of hospital and it has completely changed mine and my family’s lives forever."

Following the crash Matthew was transported by air ambulance to the Countess of Chester Hospital where he underwent emergency treatment before being transferred to the Royal Liverpool Hospital where he continues to receive treatment as an outpatient.

Matthew suffered serious injuries including the loss of four inches of bone in his right thigh and now must use a wheelchair or crutches to move around.

He said: “I hope my case highlights to all road users the importance of taking responsibility for their actions when getting behind the wheel.

"Thankfully, with the expert guidance from the team at Irwin Mitchell, I have been able to receive a settlement to help with my recovery, rehabilitation and accommodation.

“I just want to start getting on with my life again and this will be the first part of that process.”