JANESVILLE (WKOW) -
Michael Nobs was brought up around cars by his father and loves them himself, boasting an impressive collection of models that he builds and paints himself.
Michael also likes to drive, despite having cerebral palsy and being confined to a wheelchair since age nine. He's been driving for years with the help of remote controls and customized equipment. Behind the wheel, he's as able as anyone.
"I can get in it, close the door, get behind the wheel, start it up and take off," Michael told us during a recent interview.
But a traffic accident in October of 2010 cost this Janesville man his van and some of his independence. The van needed thousands of dollars in repairs, and Michael was forced to pay people to drive him on errands and to Toys R Us, where he has worked for 17 years.
Michael and his longtime caregiver, Lisa Johnson, felt the other driver's insurance company was taking to long paying Michael's claim, so he hired and attorney and called our Call For Action line. A CFA volunteer picked up the case and started making calls on Michael's behalf.
"All of a sudden the ball started rolling, and we got the money for Michael's van", Johnson said.
More than a year after the accident, Michael received a check for more than $19,000, which covered most of the cost for the van and equipment Michael is now using.
Due to his condition, Michael has to take a driving test once a year. He's passed the written test, but has yet to take the actual driving test.
