HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania - A feature by ABC 27 Harrisburg shared the harrowing story of Nia Mitchell, a 24-year-old aspiring pilot, whose life was upended after a devastating car wreck caused by a red-light runner. The case not only sheds light on the dangers of reckless driving but also reveals how negligent drivers often avoid accountability—leaving victims like Nia to struggle in the aftermath. The Button Law Firm, alongside the team at Snellings Injury Law, is working to hold the responsible parties accountable and protect future victims from similar situations.
The Wreck That Changed Nia's Life
According to the article, Nia Mitchell had just been accepted into flight school when her life took a tragic turn in February 2023. While making a protected left turn at a green light in her sedan, a large Chevrolet pickup ran a red light and collided with her vehicle at high speed. The impact totaled Mitchell's car and left her with a serious head injury, derailing her dreams of becoming a pilot and forcing her to focus on recovery instead.
According to the complaint filed in the case, the driver of the pickup truck lied to police officers at the scene, blaming Nia for the accident. Since Nia was disoriented and unable to advocate for herself due to her injuries, the other driver’s false account went unchallenged. As a result, both the at-fault driver's and Nia's insurance companies mishandled the case, leaving Nia without the recovery she deserved.
The Fight for Justice: How The Button Law Firm is Helping This Woman Get Justice
After months of medical treatment and legal complications, Mitchell turned to The Button Law Firm and Snellings Injury Law to seek justice. The firms promptly began an investigation and were able to obtain critical video evidence from a nearby gas station. The footage clearly showed that the pickup truck driver had run the red light, confirming that Mitchell had not caused the wreck.
“Technology is your friend in these unexpected yet scary incidents, and there are lots of affordable options," said Scott Snellings, one of the attorneys representing Mitchell. He advises all drivers to invest in dashcams, which can record incidents like these and prevent fraudulent claims. You can find dashcams starting at $20, and they can save people from situations like the one Nia found herself in.
How Video Footage Can Protect Victims of Car Wrecks
One of the major lessons from Nia’s case is the importance of technology in establishing the truth. Without the surveillance footage, it’s possible that Nia’s claim would have been wrongfully denied. Business security cameras and dashcams can capture vital evidence that protects victims from false claims made by at-fault drivers. Snellings encourages all drivers to utilize these tools for their safety and to protect themselves from legal complications.
“Unfortunately, red-light wrecks happen, and victims continue to suffer, but you can’t argue with a video,” said Snellings.
The Consequences of Red-Light Running
Texas has seen a surge in accidents caused by drivers running red lights, especially since the state banned red-light cameras. According to the 2023 Crash Contributing Factors report by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), more than 38,000 accidents occurred last year alone due to drivers disregarding stop lights, stop signs, or other traffic signals. The case involving Nia Mitchell is one of many tragic examples of how these reckless actions can forever change someone’s life.
Additionally, distracted driving continues to claim lives across the state, with an estimated nine deaths per day tied to inattentive drivers.
The Toll on Our Client’s Life – How This Car Wreck Affected Her
Nia has been dealing with persistent headaches and other complications related to her head injury since the accident. While she remains determined to return to flight school, the trauma from the crash continues to take a significant toll on both her physical and mental well-being. Despite these setbacks, Nia is hopeful that by sharing her story, other drivers can avoid the same fate.
“One of the most shocking things I have learned throughout this process is that 20% of drivers are uninsured, and many drivers only have a minimum policy of $30,000. That is not nearly enough to cover the losses I experienced.”
The Button Law Firm’s Commitment to Accountability
Russell Button, the lead attorney from The Button Law Firm, emphasized the importance of holding negligent drivers accountable to prevent future tragedies like Nia’s. "Nia’s life may never be the same, but we are committed to fighting for her and ensuring that justice is served," said Button. "Our goal is to bring closure and accountability, not only for Nia but for all victims of reckless drivers."
About The Button Law Firm
The Button Law Firm is a Texas-based personal injury law firm that advocates for individuals and families in meaningful litigation to make local communities safer. The firm focuses on daycare and childcare injuries, including abuse and neglect cases, bottle warmer burns, traumatic brain injuries, and catastrophic injuries. With offices in Dallas, Houston, and Midland, The Button Law Firm helps families move forward across the Lone Star State.
Contact The Button Law Firm for Help After a Serious Car Wreck
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car wreck caused by a negligent driver, it's important to take immediate action to protect your rights. At The Button Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping victims of serious car wrecks get the justice and recovery they deserve. Our team of experienced attorneys will work tirelessly to hold those responsible accountable and support you through your recovery.
To contact our team, call us at (214) 699-4409, email us at [email protected], or fill out a contact form. You can also reach out to us by starting a chat.