High School Student Hit By Car Shows Progress

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Three weeks ago while walking to school, Claire Dickerson was hit by a car and suffered terrible injuries. Since then she's in the process of an amazing recovery.

Claire Dickerson has some kind of amazing grace which makes her a pretty good physical therapy patient and a pretty good ballet dancer too.

"She is a ballet dancer and a wonderful girl and wonderful student," said Claire's father Richard Dickerson. "She has a tremendous attitude, very positive and very encouraging."

While walking to class on her first day of high school in Franklin, Claire was involved in a terrible incident.

"There was a curve. She just didn't see me, and I didn't see her. I just got hit," said Claire.

Claire suffered serious injuries to her head and pelvis. No one knew if she would survive.

"My brain was swelling so they took out part of my skull," said Claire.

Instead of the incident being the end, it became the beginning of an unbelievable recovery. Claire will get to go home on Wednesday.

"Yes, it's my independence day tomorrow!" said Claire. "I'm very motivated. I want to get better so bad."

Claire received her medical treatment at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital and has been recovering at the Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital.

"It's been an amazing journey because every day we have seen progress," said Dickerson. "You realize that life can change in a second and that you cherish every day."

Claire hopes to return to school at Centennial High School later this year.

The incident was ruled an accident, so no charges will be filed against the driver who hit Claire.