Family of woman hit by car files lawsuit
An 85-year-old Kamloops man alleged to have been behind the wheel of a car that struck and severely injured a woman in a North Shore crosswalk last year is the subject of a lawsuit in addition to criminal charges.
Chloe Jasmine Demers, also known as Chloe Ardiles, was in a crosswalk at Fortune Drive and Fort Avenue on Sept. 7, 2012, when she was hit by a car alleged to have blown through a red light.
The 20-year-old suffered life-threatening injuries and was placed in a medically induced coma for weeks following the collision.
Merle Peter Michels, 85, was charged in December with driving without due care and attention in relation to the collision.
Late last month, Demers’ family filed a lawsuit in B.C. Supreme Court, seeking money to cover loss of income, loss of earning capacity, future care costs and general damages, among other claims.
According to the notice of claim filed on Demers’ behalf, the woman suffered a severe traumatic brain injury, a broken tibia and fibula, multiple lacerations, abrasions and bruises to her entire body, a blown pupil and an ACL injury to her left knee.
The document claims she has been left with scars on her head and body and now suffers seizures, pain, depression, sleep problems, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and headaches.
According to the document, Michels was speeding when he allegedly ran the red light and failed “to take reasonable steps to avoid a collision” with Demers.
There is no dollar amount listed in the document.
Michels has yet to file a response.
He is due in Kamloops provincial court today (Feb. 7) to schedule an upcoming court date.
Records show he was in court to enter a guilty plea on Jan. 24, but it is unclear if that plea was entered.
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