Marissa's Tragic Accident & Hopeful Recovery l Seattle Accident Attorney

King 5 TV recently reported on a very sad and tragic case involving Marissa Schneider, who was hit by a wrong-way driver nearly 3 years ago.  Marissa was just 16 years old.  She suffered two broken legs, a broken arm, and a devastating head injury that left her in a near-vegetative state.

The other driver was also a minor child, just 16 years old.  She was cited by police for crossing the center line.  She was not seriously injured.  

It just seems so tragic that another person can merely cross the center line while driving and as a result change another person's life forever.   

Marissa was lucky in one regard - she had her mother.  The doctors believed Marissa would remain a vegetable for the rest of her life.  But her mother refused to give up hope.  "She my first-born. I mean you can't give up on your child," she said.

Marissa's mother, Cindy, has been by her daughter's side nearly every single day, taking just four days off over the past two-and-a-half years.  Cindy tirelessly helped her daughter.  It was a very slow and painful recovery, not only for Marissa, but also Cindy.  The emotional toll was enormous.  But about 18 months after the accident, Marissa was able to write the letter "A."  A small gesture to most of us, but a huge accomplishment to someone in Marissa's state.  Cindy was overjoyed.

Today Marissa is not only writing and communicating, she's also smiling and exhibits some awareness of what's going on.  Her recovery continues to get better. 

Marissa's story is a tragic example of how a car accident can forever change someone's life.  I wish Marissa and her mother the best during her rehabilitation, which may take many more years.