Traumatic Car Accident- Left with Nothing.

Hi, My name is Layden Dukes. On the morning of Dec. 7th 2021, my friend Nala and I were involved in a head-on car collision on my way to campus (University of Missouri- Columbia). This accident happened on Old 63 S, a two-lane road containing a double yellow line. I was driving in my lane and the other driver was attempting to drive around the slow drivers in front of him, drove into my lane and hit me head on. I had no time to react, happened very suddenly. During the accident I had hit my head against the airbag causing a huge laceration in the inside of my lip. I was bleeding profusely from my mouth at the scene of the accident. I am a music performance major and the damage to my lip at the time prohibited me from performing my Jury for the final season and to take some time away from my trumpet to recover.

 

 

The impact of the collision caused me to hit my right knee against the dashboard, completely tearing my posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). This injury has severely impacted my ability to walk, and my ability to work. Tearing my PCL has slowed down my mobility and activity by a great deal and losing my car has also impacted my transportation to work and school. Since the date of the accident I have been unable to provide for my self financially. At the time of the accident I had no savings and no money really to support me during this time. I have been going to physical therapy for my knee, and the possibility of knee surgery is highly likely to heal the tear so I can get back to moving. Between the ER visit, Orthopedic visit, the cost of my knee brace, cost of living, food, start of semester expenses, rent, physical therapy visits, and etc, I have been struggling to care for myself.

 

The driver of the accident did not have any car insurance, and the accident was 100% their fault. That being said none of my medical bills or expenses have been paid due to my means of transportation being taken from me and my knee being injured. I am a 20 y/o college student who takes care of themselves fully; educationally and personally. This car accident has left me at the lowest point in my life honestly and I am asking for help to get back on my feet. My parents have been doing everything they can for me to help pay for some of these expenses but they also cannot bear all of the financial weight. It is genuinely a miracle that Nala and I made it out alive and I am asking for help so I can get back on my feet.

 

Anything helps, even a share.

 

Thank you so much. All donations will go towards rent, groceries, medical bills, and any expenses regarding my PCL recovery.