9-Year-Old Boy Hit By Truck Tells Story Of Recovery

On November 17th, a truck hit a 9-year-old Joey Lacome of Palm Desert on his way home from a flag-football game.

The young Lacome describes it as a freak accident. He said he was riding south on the sidewalk on Washington Street.

“My chain came off, I looked down and got distracted,” he said. “My handlebars twisted and before I knew it, I was in the road.”

A large truck hit Joey, sending him flying several feet in the air.

One of Joey’s shoes landed 30 feet from where the crash happened. He suffered two broken legs and damaged his right eye. Thankfully, he wore a helmet.

“That’s what saved me,” said Lacome.

That night, a helicopter flew Joey from Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs to Loma Linda Children’s Hospital where he underwent three surgeries early the next morning.

Doctors released Joey from the hospital the day after Thanksgiving. His parents said he’s a trooper. They said he never complains, and is making the most out of his recovery.

However, the crash devastated the man who hit Joey. His parents don’t blame the driver at all.

“No need to worry, I’m okay.” said Joey..”I’m going to make a full recovery.”

Joey can’t go to school, so his parents help him keep up with his studies.

It will take anywhere from 8 to 10 months to make a full recovery.