MMA fighter who nearly lost his leg in a devastating car crash sues California transport chiefs for failing to properly signpost a barrier
- Chris Bonilla crashed on the 10 freeway in West Covina last November
- The former Muay Thai champion was stopping on the side of the road when his Volkswagen careened into a rail that he claims was not properly marked
- The car was ripped open, severing Bonilla's leg and breaking his clavicle
- Doctors managed to reattach Bonilla's leg, but the fighter will likely face lifelong mobility issues and could be forced to amputate the leg in the future
- WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES
A professional MMA fighter whose leg was severed in a gruesome car accident last year is suing the California Department of Transportation for failing to properly mark the rail he crashed into.
Chris Bonilla narrowly avoided having his leg amputated after the crash on the 10 freeway in West Covina last November.
The former Muay Thai champion says he was stopping on the side of the road for an unspecified reason when he careened into a rail that he claims was not properly marked.
His leg was severed and clavicle broken when his Volkswagen was ripped open on impact.
Professional MMA fighter Chris Bonilla is suing the California Department of Transportation after his leg was severed in a gruesome car accident he claims was caused by poor signage
Bonilla claims that CDOT failed to provide signage that could have prevented his accident on November 10, 2018
Doctors managed to reattach Bonilla's leg, but he will likely face lifelong mobility issues and could be forced to amputate the leg in the future.
His lawsuit seeks unspecified damages from CDOT, alleging that the agency failed to provide signage to prevent such an accident from occurring.
Bonilla's attorney told TMZ that his client is doing better after surgery but his leg is in 'bad shape'.
Bonilla's Volkswagen is pictured after the horror crash that left him with a severed leg and a broken clavicle. The fighter says he was stopping on the side of the road for an unspecified reason when he careened into a rail that he claims was not properly marked
Bonilla almost had to have his leg amputated after the horror crash in West Covina last year
The fighter has been documenting his recovery on his blog 'All Heart No Hype'.
Last week he posted an update which said: 'As you know November 10 I was involved in a terrible accident but most don't know the full extent of it. I've suffered everyday since then to keep this leg.
'I could have amputated and pretty much been back to a semi-normal life but that's the easy way out. I was told by my Dr's that most wouldn't have made it out of the accident, let alone make it this far with my leg.
'Well if you know me, I'm definitely not most people. I was born a fighter and no matter the outcome, I'm fighting every day to keep it. I have another appointment next week & if all goes well after the next two surgeries I should have a new knee and have made another huge leap towards my recovery.
'I could never get through this without the amazing support system that I have. an amazing woman by my side, my beautiful child & the best mom a guy could ask for. It's easy to feel bad for yourself but humble yourself & remember everyday you wake up healthy is a blessing. That's something I honestly took for granted every f***ing day.'
Doctors managed to reattach Bonilla's leg for the time being, but the fighter will likely face lifelong mobility issues and could be forced to amputate the leg in the future
Bonilla has been documenting his recovery on his blog 'All Heart No Hype'
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