GEISMAR, La. (Louisiana First) -- A young woman seriously injured in a hit-and-run crash in Ascension Parish is speaking out as deputies continue searching for the driver responsible.
Makayla Hopkins said what began as a routine DoorDash delivery Saturday night quickly became a moment that changed her life.
"The last thing I remember was getting my DoorDash food, Chinese food. The Dasher left, I was turning my back, and then a yellow car hit me," Hopkins said.
The crash happened around 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, on Dutchtown Lane.
According to the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office, a vehicle struck a pedestrian before leaving the scene in the direction of Highway 74.
Hopkins' family told Louisiana First News she suffered serious injuries, including a fractured skull and multiple broken bones, and was transported to the hospital by AirMed.
For her mother, Jessica White, the decision to leave her daughter behind after the crash is difficult to understand.
"This should have never happened," White said. "He should at least stop and try to assist and aid."
Deputies are asking for the public's help identifying the person behind the wheel. Investigators have obtained images showing the vehicle and driver from the night of the crash.
Hopkins' case also comes shortly after a change in Louisiana law aimed at strengthening consequences in certain hit-and-run cases.
Jody's Law, which took effect Aug. 1, is named in memory of Jody Mann, who was killed in a hit-and-run crash in 2022.
Mann's mother, Holly Crow, advocated for the legislation after Mann's death. She hopes the law will make a difference for other families searching for justice.
"There's so many hit-and-runs that the people are never caught," Crow said. "And so this, I think, is really going to make a difference for them."
As Hopkins faces recovery from her injuries, her family is left waiting for answers — and hoping someone who recognizes the driver or vehicle will come forward.
Anyone with information that could help investigators identify the driver is urged to contact the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office.
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