Richmond Mom Launches PSA After Son’s Fatal Crash

RICHMOND, Va. — Julie Garner will forever remember June 10, 2007, the day that changed her life. She received a call from a doctor at a Northern Virginia trauma unit, informing her that her son, Hunter, had been in an accident. “They said, ‘We need you to come up here. Your son has been in an accident.’ I wanted to know more, and that’s all they could tell me,” Garner recalled. Her son, Hunter, was a passenger in a car with a friend when the vehicle veered off the road and struck a tree. Tragically, the driver died on impact, and Hunter fought for his life in the hospital.

Despite seeming perfectly normal—no visible injuries, no scratches—Hunter was kept alive by machines, as his heart had stopped beating, and he was no longer breathing. “He looked beautiful. There were no scratches or anything on his body, but he was kept alive by machines, and his heart was no longer working. He wasn’t breathing, and he was gone,” Garner remembered with a heavy heart.

In the midst of her overwhelming grief, Garner, who had been with The Martin Agency for years, founded Project Yellow Light, a nonprofit aimed at promoting safe driving habits and raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. Through her organization, Garner offers scholarship opportunities to students who create impactful public service announcements (PSAs) focused on educating young drivers about the risks of unsafe driving behavior.

Now, 17 years later, Garner has collaborated with the Martin Agency and Le Pac Productions to create a powerful PSA of her own, aiming to warn others about the perils of distracted driving. The short film, titled “Love Story,” depicts two young friends in a car recording a video for social media on a cell phone until they encounter another vehicle in their path. The film is a stark reminder of how dangerous it can be to divert attention from the road, even for a moment, while driving.

“When I started Project Yellow Light, it was mostly texting and scrolling,” Garner said. “Now, it’s about creating content in the car, which influencers are doing. All these young people think they can do it too, and sadly, they just feel invincible.”

Garner credits the Martin Agency creative team, including Julian Cohen and Rushil Nadkarni, for helping her spread this critical safety message. The nonprofit Drive Smart Virginia reports that distracted driving is responsible for nearly 80 percent of all car accidents each year.

Compensation for Victims of Distracted Driving and How Latham & Martin Can Help

For families and victims affected by distracted driving accidents, seeking legal representation is crucial. Suppose you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a crash caused by distracted driving. In that case, there are several types of compensation you may be entitled to, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even punitive damages in certain cases. This compensation is designed to help victims and their families cope with the physical, emotional, and financial burdens that result from such tragic accidents.

At Latham & Martin, we understand the devastating impact of distracted driving accidents. We are here to provide the legal guidance and support you need to pursue justice for your loved one. Our team of experienced attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of your case, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether it’s negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court, we are committed to advocating for your rights and holding responsible parties accountable.

If you’ve lost a loved one or have been injured due to distracted driving, Latham & Martin is ready to help. Our attorneys have a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for clients, and we are dedicated to guiding you through the legal process with compassion and expertise.

Julie Garner’s efforts with Project Yellow Light and her latest PSA are a testament to the power of turning personal tragedy into positive change. By raising awareness about distracted driving, she is not only honoring her son’s memory but also helping to save lives, ensuring that others do not experience the same heartache.

Disclaimer: This article is provided by Latham & Martin Law and is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to ensure accuracy, some details have been sourced externally, and we have not independently verified all facts related to this incident. If you notice any inaccuracies, don’t hesitate to contact our office so we can correct them. Content will be removed upon request.

Please note that the information shared here is not intended as legal or medical advice, nor does it serve as a solicitation for business. If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, we strongly encourage you to seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, the photo accompanying this article is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual scene of the incident.

Source: WTVR