Williamsburg recovering in Knoxville hospital after being struck by car Monday

A Williamsburg woman is recovering in a Knoxville hospital after being struck by a vehicle Monday evening.

About 6:49 p.m., Betina F. Lawson, 47, was attempting to cross US25W in the Highland Park area near Stop and Save when she stepped in front of a vehicle, driven Raymond L. Fuson, 26.

"From what we have been able to determine so far, Fuson was traveling north on US25W. Lawson was actually in the center lane attempting to cross US25W," said Williamsburg Police Chief Wayne Bird.

Bird said that Fuson and witnesses at the scene all say that Lawson stepped in front of Fuson’s vehicle, was struck, and flew up onto the hood and windshield of the vehicle.

Whitley County EMS treated her at the scene.

An emergency landing zone was set up at the Williamsburg Fire Department where an emergency medical helicopter, which was stationed out of London, picked her up and transported her to the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

Bird said that Lawson had a compound fracture to one leg, possibly a broken hip, a broken arm and various other injuries.

"As of about 10 p.m. last night as we understand, she was in surgery and was listed in stable at that point," Bird said. "We don’t think the injuries were anything life threatening."

She was listed in serious condition Tuesday afternoon, according to a hospital spokesperson.

Bird said that alcohol and speed were not contributing factors in the crash but that weather conditions and the fact that the pedestrian was wearing dark clothing were. The dark clothing limited the driver’s ability to see her.

Officers estimated that the speed of the vehicle was 30 – 35 mph, which is within the speed limit.

No charges are planned against the driver.

Bird said that the area is particularly dark and the only light is from the parking lot at Stop and Save.

"I don’t think there is actually a street light in this particular area," Bird said. "It is a common place for pedestrians to cross right there by Stop and Save."

So far authorities haven’t been able to get any statements from Lawson, Bird said.