Teen Survives Near-Fatal Crash, Faces Memory Loss

On January 10, 16-year-old Nathan Banks was struck by a car while crossing the street in Hampton, Virginia, after visiting a trampoline park. The impact left him with a broken back, tailbone, and pelvis, along with severely bruised lungs and a deep hand laceration. Paramedics struggled to find a pulse for approximately ten minutes before he was transported to the hospital.

Doctors discovered Nathan also sustained a traumatic brain injury, resulting in a condition where his memory resets roughly every four hours. This impacts his daily life significantly, making it challenging to recall recent events. His mother compares his condition to the movie '50 First Dates.'

The accident occurred when Nathan and friends left a trampoline park to buy a birthday gift across the street. While returning, he was hit by an Audi Q7 and thrown an estimated 30 feet. His mother described a chaotic scene at the accident site, with first responders working to save her son.

Nathan's physical recovery shows promise, with a pediatric orthopedic surgeon suggesting he could jog within three to six months with consistent physical therapy. However, the family faces a substantial $29,000 hospital bill. His mother, who was the primary provider, is not currently working to care for him, and his father is a full-time student.

A crucial detail under Virginia law, which follows a strict contributory negligence standard, is that Nathan was crossing outside a marked crosswalk. This could potentially bar his family from receiving compensation if he is deemed even slightly at fault, making the financial burden even heavier for the family.

Despite the daunting prospect of recovery and the isolation of being unable to attend school, Nathan remains hopeful. His mother has started a GoFundMe to help with medical costs and living expenses, which has raised over $5,000 so far.