Bathtub Blues

A northeast Harris County woman has been hospitalized after a teenager drove a pickup truck into her home just after midnight on Sunday.   According to the Office of Harris County Sheriff’s Department, a 16-year-old girl was deemed to be possibly DUI when she crashed her vehicle into a home located near Sandydale and Blue Haven. According to the victim’s husband, it appears that both of his wife’s legs are broken as a result of the crash.   Sheriff’s deputies report that the vehicle crashed into the home’s bathroom where the homeowner just happened to be at the time. After plowing her truck into the home, the driver of the truck attempted to flee the scene but hit a van and another home. Another driver in the vicinity blocked the teen driver in and held her until Sheriff’s deputies could arrive at the scene.   Accidents can happen at any time, and quite unexpectedly, even when you are at home. If an accident involves any kind of serious injury, the charge of fleeing the scene of an accident can have very serious consequences. If a driver leaves the scene of an accident, in the state of Texas, and especially if the accident ends involves any sort of serious injury, property damage or death, it is considered a third degree felony. If convicted, this charge is punishable up to five years in jail and a fine of up to $5,000 plus damages, or all of the above. An offender may also face other costs imposed by the court such as community service, probation and restitution orders. Matters can be complicated even further if that driver happens to be a teen.   Texas has a zero tolerance for underage drinking. Teen drivers have less experience with both driving and alcohol and are often not aware of the effects of alcohol and the impairment it causes. They often will misjudge their ability to drive after consuming alcohol.  Added to this, teen drivers are also more inclined to drive over the speed limit. This adds to the risks posed by the dangerous combination of a young driver’s inexperience and the use of alcohol.  For anyone convicted of a hit and run accident, car insurance rates can go up or the driver in the accident can be completely dropped from their insurance. This can be especially troublesome for the parents of young drivers who are involved in such accidents as well. Parents of teens involved in accidents, especially if the teen is DUI, can be dropped from insurance coverage entirely for allowing them to drive.   We know how important your home is to you. If your property has been damaged or you have experienced a loss or damage due to a drunk driver, give our offices a call. Our attorneys have years of experience in recovering restitution for damages resulting from the accidents involving drunk drivers. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, we can also help you sort through your insurance concerns. If the case involves a drunk driver, or if your teen has been involved in a serious accident, our attorneys have years of experience in the Texas Courts.   Our lawyers will take the time and discuss with you at length the details of your case. Your initial consultation is free.