Testimonies Heard Against the Bedford County Woman Accused of Maiming Two While Driving Under the Influence

Testimonies were heard on October 26, 2011 against the Bedford County woman who is charged with driving while drunk and two counts of DUI maiming following a head-on collision that occurred in May. Doris Coe, 41, had been traveling southbound on Peaks Road at approximately 6:30 p.m. when her 2008 Ford Fusion crossed the centerline and hit a 1986 Honda Gold Wing driven by Anthony McClure, 50. According to Virginia State Police Sargent Robert Carpentieri, the injuries of McClure and his passenger, Laura Fizer, 33, were so severe that both had to be airlifted to the Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

Tony McClure was unable to attend the Wednesday court hearing because he had been hospitalized with an infection caused by a complication from one of the many surgeries he has undergone since the May accident. McClure’s daughter, Angel Dodson, testified on behalf of her father and stated that her once able-bodied father has dwindled from 220 to 160 pounds in the months following the wreck. Dodson also detailed the numerous injuries that her father endured, which include the amputation of his left arm below the shoulder, the necessary reconstruction and fusion of his foot to his left leg, the fusion of parts of his spine, and the blindness McClure now suffers from as a result of a stroke triggered by gross amounts of blood loss on that day.

Laura Fizer was only able to take the witness stand with the help of a walker. Fizer testified that she had no memory of the crash or the majority of the three weeks that she spent recovering in the hospital. Fizer’s foot was reattached following the accident but her left leg frequently swells and turns purple when she stands or puts weight on it. Fizer had multiple surgeries scheduled that are intended to repair her ankle, knee, and left shoulder; Fizer also stated that she is waiting for a diagnosis concerning a possible traumatic brain injury that she acquired from the crash.

In addition to Dodson and Fizer’s testimony, the court also heard statements from first responders, neighbors and passerby about the May 28 crash that occurred near the intersection of Kelso Mill Road. The rescuer who treated McClure testified that McClure had been conscious throughout the ordeal despite the fact that his left arm and leg were open with compound fractures and that both of his ankles had been broken. Another witness testified that Fizer’s left foot had been almost entirely severed and that both victims had suffered from extensive blood loss.

Trooper G.D. Musgrove of the Virginia State Police was responsible for Coe’s arrest and he testified that skid marks caused by her car along with other evidence found at the scene of the accident indicated that Coe had been driving four feet across the centerline in McClure’s northbound lane when their vehicles crashed. A toxicologist testified that a sample of Coe’s blood taken that evening indicated a blood alcohol content of 0.16 percent, double the legal driving limit.

Coe was convicted of a misdemeanor drunk driving charge in a bench trial Wednesday and was sentenced to a year in jail. Coe’s attorney had said that the conviction will be appealed. If Coe is indicted by a grand jury this month, the case will be heard in Bedford County Circuit Court where it will be determined whether or not she is guilty of the two felony counts of DUI maiming that currently exist against her. Each of those charges carry a maximum sentence of five years of imprisonment. Coe was released in May on a $10,000 unsecured bond and remains free on that bailment pending the outcome of the trial.

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain or head injury because of an accident caused by the carelessness or recklessness of another individual, The Parrish Law Firm can help you obtain the compensation that you and your family are entitled to. The experienced attorneys at our firm are ready to answer any questions that you may have regarding your case so please contact us today for a free evaluation – 571-229-1800.

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