LAKELAND, FL -- For the first time since an accident that took both of his legs, Emmanuel Mejia spoke to the media from his hospital bed at Lakeland Regional Medical Center.
The twenty year old former amatuer boxer and father of a little boy said he is just happy to be alive.
He said doctors had to revive him three different times after a driver lost control of his car, pinning Mejia between a car and a garbage truck.
Mejia was working as a garbageman for Florida Refuse in Bartow when the accident happened.
Mejia says he jumped in the air, which saved his life. But his legs were crushed and had to be amputated.
Police said the accident should have never happened.
Authorities said Stephen Horne was texting at the time of the accident. The State Attorney charged Horne with wreckless driving resulting in serious bodily harm.
Emmanuel is hoping laws will be put in place making it illegal for people to text and drive at the same time.
