Forest Lake mother Dee Smiley’s recovery journey since Sandgate pedestrian crossing accident

Dee Smiley was enjoying a getaway with her husband when her life changed forever as she was hit by a truck. Since then she has bravely faced recovery from a coma, a tracheostomy and a horrific list of injuries, with one shining light in mind: her children.

An inspirational Brisbane mother has opened up about the trauma that has followed her since she was struck by a truck 18 months ago.

In October 2020 Forest Lake mother and paralegal Dee Smiley went from enjoying a trip away with her husband to fighting for her life when she was struck by a truck on a pedestrian crossing at Sandgate.

The life-changing event left the mother in a coma with several broken bones, post traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and a severe traumatic head injury.

Dee Smiley was on her way home after a getaway with husband Craig Smiley on October 11, 2020 when they stopped in at the coastal suburb where the unimaginable happened.

The pair had spent the weekend on the Sunshine Coast and had stopped for morning tea at Sandgate.

The paralegal, who works at Brisbane lawyers Hall and Wilcox, had checked into Sandgate cafe Capulet and Co on social media moments before the chilling event unfolded.

Mr Smiley previously said the pair went to cross the road at the intersection of Brighton Rd and Lagoon St when they were struck by an oncoming truck.

While Mr Smiley miraculously walked away with gravel rash and bruises, his wife was placed in an induced coma at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. She stayed there for four months.

Now 18 months on, and Mrs Smiley has spoken about how the accident changed her life forever.

Mr Smiley still has the tracheostomy which was inserted into my throat after the extubation from her coma.

“Last week I underwent laser scar tissue removal surgery to try and get rid of the scar tissue with an end goal of having my tracheostomy removed,” Mrs Smiley said.

“My surgeon advised me in the hospital the following day that another laser surgery may be required before my tracheostomy comes out.

“It has been very difficult so far.

Just over a year and a half ago Forest Lake mother and paralegal Dee Smiley was struck by a truck on a pedestrian crossing at Sandgate. Photo – contributed.

“Something I definitely never expected to happen in my life.

“I still don’t remember the accident which is probably a good thing.

“I am still too traumatised to think about going back to Sandgate anytime soon.”

In the 18 months since the accident Mrs Smiley has been attending regular medical appointments and still hasn’t been able to return to work full time.

“My medical team have been absolutely amazing in supporting me,” she said.

“I am still undergoing psychiatric care for PTSD, anxiety and depression.

“My occupational therapist visits me every week at home.

“I underwent several months of neuropsychology therapy to deal with my traumatic brain injury.

Dee Smiley after he accident where she was hit by a truck in Sandgate.

“I am also undergoing physiotherapy on a monthly basis at home to help with recovering from my fractured pelvis and also to gain some fitness and muscle I lost.”

Through her strength and determination, Mrs Smiley was able to return to work at a “very reduced capacity” on the one year anniversary of her accident.

“I am still only allowed to work 10 hours a week,” she said.

“The financial impact this accident has had on my life has been beyond stressful.

“I am lucky I am still around for my children yes, but the quality of life has been diminished.”

From the accident Mrs Smiley suffered a severe traumatic brain injury, four broken ribs, a fractured pelvis, a fractured skull, severe anxiety, stress, depression and PTSD.

“Post-accident I have also been under the care of the brain injury rehabilitation unit at the PA Hospital, a psychiatrist, neuropsychologist, occupational therapist, voice therapist and physio,” she said.

“Most of these appointments continue on a weekly/fortnightly basis with the exception of the neuropsychologist.

“I have been told it is at least another six months before I can return to my pre-injury role in a full-time capacity. Which is very hard to hear.”