From hit-and-run accidents to drunk driving accidents, motor vehicle collisions occur on Missouri roads every day. A woman from Jasper may be facing drunk driving charges, one count of felony vehicular assault and additional charges after one of Missouri’s most recent drunk driving accidents. This car accident sent three people, including herself and her child, to the hospital for medical treatment.

The 26-year-old woman was driving her vehicle northbound in Missouri when her vehicle crossed into another lane. As she veered into the other lane, she struck another vehicle that was also traveling north. Both vehicles ended up overturning off the road.

The woman was arrested at the scene but was then released so that she could receive medical treatment. She and her young child were both hospitalized with what authorities say were moderate injuries. The driver of the other car, a 41-year-old man from Carthage, suffered serious injuries in the collision.

No formal charges were filed by authorities in the immediate aftermath of the collision. However, authorities said that they plan on filing the appropriate paperwork with the county prosecutor’s office shortly. The police report will likely be one piece of evidence that the 41-year-old man may want to secure should he decide to pursue legal action against the 26-year-old woman that allegedly caused the accident.

If it can be proven that a person was driving under the influence when they caused a wreck, Missouri victims of drunk driving accidents are entitled to pursue legal claims for financial damages by filing a civil lawsuit. Many factors are involved in proving financial liability in court, including demonstrating that the drunk driver did not exercise reasonable care in a way that contributed to or directly caused a motor vehicle accident. Because of this, it is important to understand the applicable law and local court procedures as one seeks to recover damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering with respect to injuries suffered in a motor vehicle crash.

Source: Carthage Press, “Jasper woman faces charges after crash”, , April 2, 2014