A Fernley family has plenty to be grateful for this Thanksgiving, after their daughter came away with only minor injuries following a vehicle accident Sunday on Interstate 80 in which she was ejected.
Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Chuck Allen said Toni Taylor, 12, was in an eastbound 2002 Ford Ranger pickup, driven by her father, Anthony Taylor, 49, and also carrying passenger Jennifer Duran, 24, of Paso Robles, Calif., when a gray or greenish four-door sedan attempted to pass the truck on the shoulder about 11:50 a.m near the Patrick exit.
Allen said the left front of the sedan struck the rear right tire of the pickup, causing the pickup to rotate clockwise and rollover, resting on its wheels. The sedan driver then fled the scene and has yet to be located.
Toni was ejected, but survived and both her father and Duran also sustained minor injuries. All three were treated and released from a Reno hospital.
"She's fine, she's just a little scratched up," said Toni's mother, Diana Taylor, on Tuesday. "We thank God there was a couple other drivers who had stopped and gave a description of the other vehicle to the police officer."
Diana Taylor said her husband figured that his speed was about 70 mph when the crash happened.
"We thank God that everybody is OK. My sister made a great comment to me, she told me to worry about how my family is and to not worry about (the other driver). Further on down the line, he'll get paid back."
Anyone who may have witnessed the accident or who has information on the other vehicle involved is asked to call the Nevada Highway Patrol at 688-2500.
• Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.