Craig Forge has worked as a truck driver since 1981, having started work for Canny’s Carrying in Wangaratta.

He was driving with his family on August 4, 2012, when his car was rear-ended by another vehicle.

Mr Forge noticed the vehicle, driven by Edward Marion Rewers, approaching and he tried to drive away, but couldn’t avoid the collision.

The impact injured his back and he has been left with ongoing chronic pain in his spine.

He took legal action against Rewers and NRMA in the ACT Supreme Court, and was awarded $231,618 in compensation last week.

His friend James Beere, and his wife and son, all noted the impact the crash had on Mr Forge.

“He was always outgoing, always on the go, like always wanting to do stuff,” Mr Beere said.  

“He’s very sort of flat now compared to what he used to be – he used to be real bubbly, cheerful, energetic.”

His son Jesse said he was less likely to be involved in activities and his wife Patricia Stephenson said he was wasn’t himself.

“He was happy, physically fit, willing to do anything,” she said.  

“Just physically and mentally, (he) just wasn’t the same person, just doing things around the house and things like that and just mentally.  

“I just ... he just didn’t seem right.”

Mr Forge was cross examined at length about his injuries and was found to be honest and reliable by Justice David Mossop.

He had driven trucks on his own, running his own business, but has been unable to do so since the accident. 

Justice Mossop noted that had impacted his income. 

“The plaintiff has suffered a whiplash injury which has led to him suffering an ongoing chronic post-traumatic pain disorder,” he said.  

“He was unable to continue as a self-employed truck driver due to the pain that he suffered, even after modifying the type of work that he performed. 

“Without the accident he would have continued in that work and continued to own his own truck, something which gave him considerable satisfaction. 

“The evidence was that as a result of the accident his enjoyment of life has been significantly affected. 

The insurer must pay the compensation.