INDIANAPOLIS — One hit-and-run crash is too many. A local woman who was the victim of a hit-and-run last year has turned her pain into perseverance, in hopes of raising awareness and saving other lives.
“She did, you know, leave me laying on the street like a dog,” said Jessica Parks, who survived a hit-and-run crash last May on 38th Street and Mitthoeffer Road, while walking to work.
The driver sped away, and witnesses sprung into action. They chased down and barricaded the driver, Juana Loa-Nunez.
"I was hit so hard that the bone broke through the skin," Parks said. "I had to have emergency surgery, the blood transfusion, and doing the physical therapy, still going. I'm actually now on blood thinners because they found a blood clot from the surgery.”
With medical bills of nearly $82,000, Parks said times aren't always easy, but she remains optimistic.
"I've been fine, basically trying to stay positive, putting that energy into something positive — to keep going and to not let it get me down and say woe is me," Parks said.
Part of that positive energy is being devoted to her new Facebook page F.O.H.A.R, which stands for “Families of Hit and Runs,” a support group for those who have survived hit-and-runs, and also those who are family members of victims who might not have been so lucky.
“[It also helps] to inform the community about hit-and-runs and hit-and-run safety," Parks said. "What can we do to avoid hit-and-runs. You know, slow down, maybe put more lights in areas that don’t have lights. Sidewalks, stuff like that.”
Here in Marion County, officials said hit-and-run numbers have stabilized.
"Hit-and-runs have kind of evened out, but we're still having too many crashes in Marion County where people are crashing and leaving,” Lt. Richard Kivett, of the Marion County Traffic Partnership, said.
Kivett said if you witness a hit-and-run, the most important thing you can do is write down the license plate number. He also said this month there are increased patrols throughout the state, looking specifically for aggressive driving.
Parks said she's not happy to be part of this kind of statistic but said she doesn't hold a grudge.
"People under fear, they do silly stuff. So, I’m not mad at her," Parks said. "But I do want her to know she did cause a lot of trauma and a lot of pain and because of her actions, I'm still dealing with it, but I'm not upset with her.”
And though her recovery has been a bumpy road, Parks said she's beyond grateful and eventually plans to write a book.
“To God be the glory,” Parks said.
