Sunday morning about 1 a.m., a Mitsubishi SUV was stopped at a red light on Highway 105 at Navaho in Montgomery County. A white Dodge 3500 pickup truck came zooming onto 105 from Blue Heron and rear-ended the Mitsubishi at high speed. The force of the impact reportedly broke the frame of the SUV and popped the outer skin of the door off. The truck rammed into a utility pole after crushing the SUV. Photos of the crash show what appear to be multiple alcohol containers littering the scene near the white truck.
The SUV was found upside down and almost completely crushed on the edge of Lake Conroe with 4 people inside. One woman was killed in the horrific Montgomery County hit and run crash. The three others in the vehicle, including two teens, survived.
The driver of the Dodge pickup truck had injuries so minor that he was able to flee the scene. But he was later found at a Conroe hospital where he had checked in for a broken arm. That driver has been charged with intoxication manslaughter, intoxication assault with a vehicle causing serious bodily injury, and two counts of aggravated assault. (Heather Alexander, Houston Chronicle, 4/27/14) The Pearland personal injury attorneys at Denena Points, PC convey our condolences to the family and friends of the deceased woman, and we express our wishes for safe and complete recoveries from their wounds to the three injured victims from the Mitsubishi.
Penalties have Increased for Texas Hit and Run Drivers who Flee Fatal Wrecks
In September 2013, a new law (SB 275) took effect that increased the penalties for drivers who flee the scene of a fatal wreck. The new law made the crime a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The punishment is the same as for intoxication manslaughter. Our Pearland personal injury attorneys note that the increased penalty is intended to reduce the number of hit and run crimes. But as the horrific fatal crash in Montgomery County reveals, many desperate drivers will still run from the fatal wrecks they have caused if they can.
You have Rights after an Injury or Death Caused by a Drunken Driver
Texas law provides recourse to the victims of a drunken driver. The law allows you to pursue the driver to seek financial compensation for the needless harm and loss you’ve suffered. You might be eligible to pursue a personal injury, wrongful death, or survivor claim against the driver as well as a claim against the place that served him the alcohol that got him drunk and then let him get behind the wheel.
The Pearland personal injury attorneys at Denena Points, PC are experienced with the challenges of pursuing claims against drunken drivers and against alcohol-serving establishments under the Texas dram shop laws. Our Board Certified attorneys have the expertise to provide you with the legal help you need to get the justice and fair compensation to which you’re entitled.
Contact us for a free initial legal consultation where we could help you better understand your options and the potential obstacles you might face after a crash caused by a drunken driver. We’ll discuss the unique facts and circumstances of your case with you and help you evaluate your potential eligibility for a full financial recovery for your injuries and losses. Reach us at 713-807-9500 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. We understand the suffering you’re going through, and we’re here to help you recover. Contact us and put our experience to work for your family’s benefit.