By By Robbie Byrd, News Editor
A Walnut Hill woman escaped an accident on Friday with only minor damage after her car struck an 18-wheeler.
Stephanie E. Shelby, 28 of the 6100 block of Arthur Brown Rd., was listed in stable condition at West Florida Hospital Friday and set to be released Saturday.
According to her sister, Angel Vickery, Shelby received 24 stitches but had no broken bones.
"We're very lucky," Vickery said. "She's able to talk and responsive."
Officials with the Florida Highway Patrol were concerned that Shelby's condition would be serious after she was ejected from her 2001 Kia sport utility vehicle.
A passenger in the vehicle, Theresa Moore, 37, of Century, received only minor injuries.
The two were returning to Shelby's home on SR 95, .2 miles south of County Road 164 in McDavid, when Shelby attempted to change lanes in front of the tractor-trailer, driven by William B. Wilcoxon of Century, FHP officials said.
The left side of Shelby's vehicle struck the 18-wheeler. Shelby was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle.
Shelby was transported to West Florida Medical Center by Baptist LifeFlight.
FHP officials have pressed no charges, pending a complete investigation. The accident was not drug or alcohol related.
The accident occurred at 11:40 a.m.