According to a report from ABC 13 Eyewitness News, family members are angry and calling for justice after losing a loved one in a tragic DUI crash on the North Freeway. Two people— LaQuenta Housley, 20, and Andrew Griffin, 31—were killed when their vehicle was struck by a drunk driver travelling in the wrong direction. Here, our Houston car accident lawyer explains what we know about this horrific crash and discusses the dangers of intoxicated driving.
Fatal DUI Accident in Houston: Drunk Driver Facing Intoxication Manslaughter Charge
The Houston Police Department reports that 26-year-old Sarah Gay was travelling northbough in the southbound lane of the North Freeway shortly after midnight on December 19th. She struck the vehicle carrying Mr. Griffin and Ms. Housley—who were tragically both pronounced at the scene of the accident. The drunk driver (Ms. Gay) and another unidentified driver of a third vehicle were both hospitalized with serious, but not life-threatening injuries.
Alcohol is believed to be the primary factor in this accident. The Houston Police Department’s preliminary investigation revealed that Ms. Gay was intoxicated at the time of the accident. She has been arrested and charged with multiple criminal offenses—including intoxication manslaughter. In Texas, intoxication manslaughter is a second degree felony criminal offense carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Drunk Driving Takes Too Many Innocent Lives in Texas
Drunk driving remains one of the primary safety hazards on our roads. Each year, far too many innocent people are injured or killed in DUI crashes. According to a recent report from the Texas Department of Transportation, someone dies an average of once every nine hours in an intoxicated driving crash in the state. DUI accidents take nearly 1,000 lives in Texas annually. While drunk driving is an issue throughout the country, the problem is even worse in Texas. Spectrum Local News reports that Texas ranks as the fourth worst state for drunk driving.
Victims and Families Deserve Justice, Accountability, and Compensation
A drunk driver is subject to serious criminal penalties—especially after a serious or fatal accident. Beyond that, victims and their families have a right to pursue justice through a civil claim. A civil DUI accident claim is a separate legal action from any criminal case. Through a DUI accident claim, victims and families can seek compensation for their damages, including for:
- Vehicle repairs;
- Emergency medical bills;
- Other health care costs;
- Lost wages and loss of future income;
- Pain and suffering;
- Disfigurement or disability;
- Wrongful death; and
- Punitive damages.
Get Help From a Houston DUI Accident Injury Attorney Today
At the Kolodny Law Firm, our Houston personal injury lawyers have the professional skills and legal experience to handle the full range of DUI accident claims. If you or your loved one was harmed in a drunk driving accident, we are here to help. Call us now or send us a message for a free, no obligation initial consultation. Our law firm provides DUI accident representation throughout Southeastern Texas, including in Harris County, Brazoria County, and Montgomery County.
Alan Kolodny is committed to representing injured clients in Texas and throughout the United States. Alan earned his B.A. from Rice University and his J.D. from Southern Methodist University.
He focuses his practice on representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases involving the following matters: maritime and offshore accidents, including those under the Jones Act; automobile and 18-wheeler truck accidents; and industrial site accidents, work-related accidents, and claims for injured railroad workers under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act.
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