Despite what efforts Missouri residents may take to ensure that they are safe while driving on the road, accidents can still happen. This is especially true if other people are drinking and driving. This appears to be the case with one of Missouri’s most recent alleged drunk driving accidents.

A 59-year-old man was reportedly driving his vehicle on Highway 54. According to authorities, his vehicle swerved over the median for reasons that weren’t immediately clear. It struck multiple road signs before striking another vehicle.

The driver of the second vehicle was a 16-year-old with multiple passengers in the vehicle with him. His 7-year-old brother was seriously injured along with the other two passengers, a 15-year-old girl and a 6-year-old boy. They were all sent to a nearby hospital, with two of them having to be transported by helicopter. Luckily, the youngest passenger has since been released from the hospital. The other two passengers were in stable condition.

Two passengers that were in the initial vehicle were taken to the hospital with what were said to be moderate injuries. The passengers were the driver’s wife and son. The driver himself didn’t sustain any injuries, according to reports. However, he could be soon facing serious criminal charges, including second-degree assault and driving under the influence.

Although charges have not yet been officially filed, the victims and their families could still take action into their own hands, which is something that most Missouri residents can do when they are injured in drunk driving accidents. They have the right to file a personal injury suit against the man believed to have caused the accident. If it can be proven that the man was indeed negligent in his driving behavior when the accident occurred, the victims may be eligible for a monetary award that could assist them with paying for the medical expenses while in the hospital, as well as any medical care needed after their release.

Source: komu.com, “Cole Co. drunk driving crash sends five children to the hospital“, Drew Whiteman, Sept. 2, 2014