CHESAPEAKE, Va. — A family from Chesapeake is facing a long road to recovery after a driver hit them going 100 mph.
The accident happened over Labor Day Weekend in Greene County, just north of Charlottesville. Virginia State Police arrested Steven Lloyd in the incident. Officials say he wasn't wearing a seat belt and may have been driving under the influence.
13News Now spoke with the Blanco family for the first time to learn more about their recovery. Leesa, her husband Chris, and their 16-year-old daughter Ava are taking it day-by-day after a driver nearly killed them. The family is strong despite what they've been through.
"We don't hold any hate in our hearts for anybody about the situation," Leesa said.
“We’re just going to keep moving forward," Chris expressed. "We’re going to try to get past it."
On Labor Day weekend, the Blancos got into their car and decided to drive down Route 33, north of Charlottesville, when they saw a car lose control and cross into their lane, hitting them head-on.
“I just seen this brown, tan speck just come at me... no reaction time whatsoever, that was it, just next thing you know, I remember the dash was crumpled in my face," Chris explained.
Leesa said her two sons were planning to ride with them but decided to go in a different car. She believes that God is protecting them.
"We are so grateful I can’t even put it into words," Leesa said.
The head-on collision mangled the Blanco family's car. The three are now recovering from serious injuries, including fractured ribs and a broken back.
“For me, I think it’s the things like I can’t wake up and make my kids breakfast," Leesa said. "I can’t help my daughter or my husband."
The family concedes that it will be a while before life returns to normal, but they are grateful for the community's support.
“So many people in the community have come together for us in a way that I have personally never felt before," Leesa said.