FORT MYERS, Fla. - A 26-year-old says he has years of recovery ahead after a motorcycle crash almost ended his life.

Justin Murray says a simple change in his riding routene, wearing his helmet, saved his life.

Murray spent weeks in the hospital after hitting a pedestrian on Colonial Boulevard in 2012.

"I can't even tell you the last time I wore my jacket with my gloves, let alone my jacket with my helmet," said Murray.

Murray claims he suffered broken face bones, brain damage and a shattered eye socket.

Doctors have reportedly told him major recovery could be seen in 1-3 years.

Fort Myers Police say Murray was not at fault due to the pedestrian crossing the road illegally.