A tragic accident that injured 10 in Dallas on July 8 serves as a sad reminder that alcohol and driving always have the potential to be a dangerous combination.
A group of four adults and six children were traveling in an SUV when a suspected drunk driver allegedly ran a red light and hit their vehicle. A news report from WFAA.com stated that five of the children in the SUV were thrown from the vehicle, and that all of the injured were transported to Dallas hospitals. One of the children, a 12-year-old girl, was taken to Dallas Childrens Medical Center for severe head injuries; a younger boy was listed in fair condition and the rest of the children suffered bumps, bruises and road rash from being forcefully ejected from the car and into the intersection.
Car accidents in Fort Worth and across the nation that have been caused by drunk driving, can have a devastating impact on victims and their families. Each day on our states roads, people make the irresponsible choice of driving after they have consumed alcohol, and the result is accidents that have serious consequences. In 2011 alone, 1,039 people were killed in Texas drunk driving accidents, according to data from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
TxDOT also reports that approximately one-third of all fatal car accidents are the result of driving under the influence of alcohol. We see the devastating impact of drunk driving on the lives of Texans all too often, which is why we fight aggressively for the rights of those who have been harmed by these crashes. We want victims to get the compensation and justice that they deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, contact a Fort Worth personal injury attorney at Anderson Cummings today for a free consultation of your claim.
Driver Charged with Intoxication Assault
The driver in the July 8 incident has since been charged with intoxication assault. The crash is still being investigated and police say the 26-year-old driver did not have a license at the time of the accident. Reports indicate that the driver attempted to flee the scene of the accident but was restrained by witnesses, who also took photographs of his vehicle and license plate.
As experienced Dallas-Fort Worth accident lawyers, we urge anyone involved in a car wreck to take photos, which can be used as evidence that the driver was negligent. If there is a red light camera photo in the July 8 crash, it may also be used as evidence in any personal injury claim.
Rather than choosing to drive home intoxicated, use a designated driver, or call a cab or sober friend. Accidents like this can happen in the blink of an eye, and everyone should do their part to reduce the number of senseless crashes that happen on Texas roads and highways.