Accident Leaves Family In A Financial Bind

has left a father and three children struggling to make it through Christmas.

Samuel Johnson was working at the thrift store in Loganville on Sept. 17 when a customer hit the accelerator instead of the brake, backing through the store window and seriously injuring him. Johnson was taken to the hospital with two broken legs as well as several other injuries. His pelvis was crushed, his lungs were bruised and several of his ribs were broken. The driver of the other vehicle, Tammy Lynn 46 Williford, of Loganville, was charged with reckless driving and driving under the influence as she reportedly was on prescription medication at the time.

Johnson’s family has picked up where they can to help the family, but it has been tough. Beth Johnson, owner of , is Johnson’s sister. She has taken in his three children – two girls, 16 and 13, and a son, 11. Johnson himself is being taken care of during his recovery by his parents who are 78 and 80 years old. He has been unable to work and has not received a paycheck since the accident. His parents, however, are grateful that his recovery has been better than expected.

“Sam is so much better - in fact the doctors have been amazed at his rate of recovery,” said his mother, Bettye Johnson. “I am sure this is due to all the prayers on his behalf during this time. It will be a long time before he can return to work. He cannot walk without a crutch and he cannot sit for long periods of time. His job is a computer tech and requires sitting.”

Bettye Johnson said the driver only had $25,000 worth of insurance and that hasn’t yet been paid out.

“Sam had insurance with his company, and they have paid their portion of the bills, but Sam is still liable for 20 percent,” Bettye Johnson said. “Also he has co-pays each time he goes to therapy and to the doctors. Naturally, his regular bills continue - car, phone, car insurance, etc.”

Johnson’s mother said he’s had to skip some of his therapy because he did not have the money to pay it, but she doesn’t want to harp on the negative side of the accident. 

“We are just so thankful that he was not killed, which he could have easily been and that there were no internal injuries which was amazing,” she said. “We also know that God is Sovereign and He is in charge and we are just waiting to see what He has for Sam and us.”

Bettye Johson said they have received help from F.I.S.H. but the need is great in the community and F.I.S.H. has many families relying on the organization at the moment. If there is anyone or organization in a position to help the Johnson family, especially during the Christmas season, email Sharon.swanepoel@patch.com and the information will be passed on.