A burger van man who suffered serious injuries in a horrific traffic accident has launched a legal battle for compensation.

Matthew Beaver was left disabled by the crash and he has been told it is unlikely he will ever be able to work again.

The father-of-three was sweeping up litter between his Fat Boys burger van and his Renault people carrier when a white Ford Escort shunted the Renault.

He was pinned between the two vehicles, his legs crushed by the impact of the crash.

Now Mr Beaver is suing the driver of the Escort for compensation of more than £300,000.

The 44-year-old was still conscious and in agony when paramedics arrived on the scene.

Eyewitness Matt Long was among those who rushed to his aid.

He said: "I got a couple of people to call the emergency services and just kept talking to him while they arrived.

"The damage to his legs looked pretty bad and you could tell they were serious injuries."

He said he believed the driver swerved into the Renault to avoid a vehicle driving in the opposite direction.

Mr Beaver was given fluids and rushed to Royal Sussex County Hospital, where he had to undergo several operations.

He suffered ruptured ligaments, a fractured left leg, and an injured right leg in the crash last March.

He also suffers from nightmares and flashbacks.

For weeks after the accident the burger van on the Hollingbury Industrial Estate in Crowhurst Road, Brighton, stood empty, while Mr Beaver continued to receive treatment in hospital for his injuries.

Eventually it became came clear he would not be able to return to work and he was forced to sell the business, which served up bacon rolls, hot dogs, burgers and chips to workers and shoppers at the Asda superstore.

He told The Argus: "It has totally devastated me and my life, in three seconds of madness. It was pain like I've never felt before."

Mr Beaver, of Martin Road, Hove, is claiming damages from the driver, Mr J Dyke of Firle Road, Brighton.

His London solicitor, Nick Story of OH Parsons & Sons, has launched a legal battle against the driver.

A writ issued at the High Court accuses Mr Dyke of negligence and breach of statutory duty which Mr Beaver says led to his injuries.

Insurers for Mr Dyke have admitted liability for the accident, the writ says, but the two sides are thought unable to agree on how much compensation Mr Beaver should receive.