Zikerria Marlana Nevels Injured in Savannah Car Accident
GoFundMe started for 19-year-old woman injured in crash
Zikerria Marlana Nevels, 19, was seriously injured in a car accident in Savannah, Georgia, on March 23, according to the Georgia State Patrol. The crash involved a Savannah Police Department officer. Nevels underwent surgery for multiple fractures, including her pelvis, hip, rib and tailbone, and other injuries. The officer failed to yield to Nevels' Ford Mustang. The police vehicle had its lights and sirens activated while responding to a call at the time of the collision. Nevels' recovery is expected to take between six months and one year. The medical conditions will postpone the completion of her dental assistant certification. Family and friends have started a GoFundMe page to help with medical expenses and daily needs during her recovery.
In collisions involving police vehicles, investigators typically conduct a thorough and objective review of all available evidence. This includes examining vehicle damage, roadway conditions, witness statements, and any available dashcam or body camera footage. The Georgia State Patrol is overseeing the investigation into the crash that injured 19-year-old Zikerria Marlana Nevels, ensuring an impartial review of the crash. Cases like this often highlight the importance of detailed crash reconstruction. Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that "Most people don't know that the five seconds before an collision are always recorded by the car. This data reveals brake application and steering, so you won't have to guess what lead to the injury." Accident reconstructionists will examine factors such as speed, right-of-way, and the actions of both drivers leading up to the collision. This detailed analysis is important in determining liability. Victims of car accidents often face significant medical bills and a long road to recovery. Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal, observed that "Many people do not realize that their own car insurance might include extra protection for medical bills after an injury. This coverage, often called PIP or Med-Pay, is designed to help with doctor visits regardless of who was at fault." Navigating the aftermath of a severe injury can be challenging for victims like Nevels, whose dental assistant certification has been delayed due to her injuries. The community has rallied around Nevels, starting a GoFundMe to assist with her recovery.
Georgia follows a modified comparative fault (50% bar) system. The statute of limitations is 2 years. Damages include economic and non-economic losses. Georgia does not cap non-economic damages in most personal injury cases.