Terrifying crash footage shared by couple left scarred for life

A harrowing car crash has left a couple scarred for life after they shared terrifying footage of the incident. James Innes, 66, and his wife Lorna, 67, from Inverness, suffered multiple broken bones and fractures in the collision that took place on the A96 near Auldearn on April 29 the previous year.

The couple’s traumatic experience unfolded when a reckless driver emerged from the B9111 junction directly into their path, causing their vehicle to spin across the main road and collide with a barrier. James vividly remembers seeing a bone protruding from his arm immediately after the crash, while Lorna had to be rescued from their Hyundai Kona by emergency services.

Dashcam footage captured the horrific moment when the Mercedes A class abruptly pulled out in front of them, leading both vehicles to collide and swerve across the road. The heart-wrenching screams of pain from James and Lorna can be heard in the video, with Lorna repeatedly calling the driver an “idiot.”

Following the accident, James underwent surgery at Raigmore Hospital where he had two metal plates inserted in his arm, in addition to wrist surgery and a small back fracture. Lorna spent nearly two weeks in the hospital recovering from a fractured wrist and breastbone. Both James and Lorna have been left with lasting physical and emotional scars from the ordeal.

The driver of the Mercedes, Rebecca Darden, an American national, was subsequently banned from driving for a year at a hearing at Inverness Sheriff Court on October 29. Despite the legal consequences, James believes that Darden should never be allowed to drive again, considering the severity of the incident and the lasting impact it has had on their lives.

The couple’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the life-altering consequences it can have on innocent individuals. Their bravery in sharing their story not only highlights the importance of road safety but also emphasises the need for stricter penalties for those who endanger the lives of others through irresponsible driving behaviour.

In a world where road accidents are far too common, James and Lorna’s story stands as a powerful testimony to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy. As they continue to navigate the physical and emotional aftermath of the crash, their courage and determination to advocate for safer roads serve as an inspiration to us all.