Six children and Two Adults Injured in Collision Due to DUI

Seven (7) people were injured Sunday night after their SUV collided with another vehicle on Highway 89 in Prescott.

Police believe the 38-year-old male driver of a Kia Sportage was under the influence of drugs, when he drifted over into oncoming traffic. The driver of the Suburban couldn’t avoid him, and the collision occurred. All seven (7) of the people in the Suburban were taken to the hospital. Six (6) passengers were all children, ages 5 to 14. The extent of their injuries is not known, however, we do know that two of the children are in serious condition.

The driver of the Kia was transported to Yavapai County Jail after he was released from Yavapai Regional Medical Center. Further investigation had shown that he was under the influence and had possession of dangerous drugs. According to police he was booked on felony charges of criminal damage and seven counts of aggravated assault and endangerment.

When I was searching the web for information related to this crash, I found website after website of law firms advertising DUI and DWI defenses. This should send each and every one of us an important message:

If you have been hurt in a motor vehicle collision, possibly by someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you can be sure they are hiring an attorney to protect themselves. Certainly, as an innocent victim, your rights are just as and even more important than that of a wrongdoer, and you must consider your own options to protect yourself, your family and loved ones.

While you consider your options, keep this advice in mind: Do not talk to any insurance company until you have sought advice of an attorney. The single-most mistake that people make, following a motor vehicle accident, is talking to an insurance company about the facts and circumstances of the collision and their injuries. Insurance companies thrive on their ability to obtain early statements from victims of car crashes. Don’t fall prey to this.

You should consider consulting with an attorney as soon as practicable following any motor vehicle accident. The wrongdoer will protect himself, the insurance company will protect its own-----who is protecting you? Consider early a consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney, preferably one who is a certified specialist in injury and wrongful death cases. Protect yourself and your family. No one else will.