Raleigh woman seeks $55,000 for car wreck injuries

CHARLESTON - A Raleigh County woman has filed a suit against a Kanawha County man, seeking more than $55,000 in compensatory damages after she was injured in a car accident.

Rebecca L. Hickman filed a suit Jan. 17 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Larry Botkin.

According to the suit, on Jan. 18, 2006, Hickman was a passenger in a 2006 Ford Escape driven by a co-worker. The two women were traveling southbound on I-77 near Beckley when they were struck in the rear by Botkin, who was driving a 2003 Dodge Caravan.

Hickman claims she was thrown forward, and immediately forced back as the seat fell back. She suffered injuries to her right elbow and wrist, as well as injuries to her shoulder, neck, back and left foot. She claims she continues to suffer from headaches due to the accident and has loss wages of $250.

According to the suit, a police officer on the scene cited Botkin for failure to maintain his vehicle.

Hickman suffered medical bills of more than $5,000. She claims she has continued to see physicians and physical therapists and will have to endure pain and suffering in the future in the amount of $50,000.

Hickman seeks a total of $55,719.10 in compensatory damages.

Attorney W.F. Richmond is representing Hickman. The case has been assigned to Judge Irene Berger.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 08-C-113