Mother of child hurt in Miami crash: 'I literally thought we had lost him'

7-year-old Branden Maitland recovers at home after being in critical condition

MIAMI – Branden Maitland, 7, is full of life, spunk and plenty of personality.

But it was only several weeks ago that Branden was in the hospital, hooked up to machines and listed in critical condition after he and his grandfather were in a car crash.

"I literally thought we had lost him ‘cause they just kept telling us he was critical condition," Branden's mother, Karen Maitland, said.

The child and his grandfather were heading home, riding in a Mini Cooper on NW 22nd Avenue, just north of 36th Street in Miami when they collided with an SUV.

Maitland was home waiting for them when she got the call.

"I blanked out completely," she said.

The impact from the crash was so severe that rescue crews had to use the Jaws of Life to get Branden out of the car. He suffered extensive injuries to his head, pelvis, hip, legs and feet -- as well as some internal organs.

Branden was released from the hospital after several weeks, but he still has a long road to recovery.

"It's natural for him to get frustrated because he's trying," Maitland said. "You know, he's limited."

Still, the family is happy Branden is heading at home.

"He's getting stronger and ready to move, but we can't do that just yet," Maitland said.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with medical costs.