A mother and daughter were injured in a pedestrian accident in St. Louis on Monday morning by an alleged drunk driver, according to news reports. The pair were injured at a gas pump in the 3700 block of Grand. According to police, a 36 year old man has been charged with two counts of second-degree assault and driving while intoxicated.
According to police, the alleged drunk driver was eastbound on Natural Bridge near Grand around 7:45 a.m. when he drove into the westbound lanes and hit a curb. His car then hit another car parked at the gas pump and that vehicle went backwards and hit the 8 year old girl and her mother, a 46 year old woman was also pushed into the pump.
The mother and daughter were taken to a hospital in unknown condition and the driver of the car was taken to the hospital with cuts on his face. It was later discovered he had been intoxicated at the time of the wreck.
Always around holiday weekends, I blog regarding being ever vigilant about not drinking and driving. The injuries and deaths resulting from car accidents caused by drunk drivers is extra tragic because it is totally preventable. Drunk driving accidents represent a great waste in the US every year with needless serious injuries and fatalities. Not just in medical bills but the loss of life and quality of life of the victims.
At The Cagle Law Firm, we represent victims of auto accidents and frequently victims of drunken driving accidents. Drunk driving is negligence because the driver makes a conscious decision to drive while under the influence knowing that it is 1) against the law and 2) unsafe. Repeatedly in blogs, I have discussed the importance of having a plan when you drink so that you are not tempted to climb behind the wheel. More importantly, safety advocacy groups such as MADD, SADD , Missouri State Highway Patrol and Illinois State Highway Patrol constantly run safety public messages, develop slogans such as “Arrive Alive” and raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving. MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving)
So why don’t more people think before they climb behind the wheel? If you worked with the victims daily and for months after the tragic accidents, you would be more aware. I dare say that almost every person has been impacted by a drunken driving incident at some point in their life, yet when we are in the moment of consuming alcohol, often, we do not think about those tragic stories. So, maybe I sound like a broken record….don’t drink and drive, don’t drink and drive——-but hey, if one person thinks before they climb behind the wheel and avoids hurting or killing others, then this time is well spent.
We must remember the gentleman in the above article has not been convicted and the driving under the influence charge is that, a charge—he has not been found guilty. But this scenario is far more common than it should be. From a legal standpoint, if you are the intoxicated driver, your world can be forever changed if you hit and injure/kill someone. From the victims’ standpoint, the years of rehabilitating one’s health may never return that victim to their original good health. Having good health or life taken from you is devastating and unfair.
Do your part—don’t drink and drive and encourage your friends to do the same. If you have been injured in an auto accident, you may need a personal injury attorney. If you have been injured by a drunk driver, you will definitely need a personal injury attorney. Our attorneys are available 7 days a week to answer your questions. At our firm, consultations are always free (800) 685-3302 or locally (314) 276-1681
KMOV,9/3/13 Drunk-driving suspect charged after girl, mother struck in St. Louis
