14-year-old Allysa Mills is recuperating in her Tooele, Utah home after being run over by a car on May 2, 2009. Mills suffered head lacerations and spent three hours at the hospital where doctors removed rocks from her back and arm. Mills and a friend were walking home at about 11:30 pm on Saturday near 1000 North and 310 East when a Mitsubishi Mirage came up from behind and ran into her. The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Allysa’s body flew into the car windshield and was then thrown 30 feet before landing in dirt on the side of the street.
The driver sped off but was reported by another motorist for driving erratically. Police apprehended the 33-year-old Tooele man in a nearby neighborhood. His windshield was smashed and other dents on his car were consistent with how Allysa’s body struck the car. Police say the man’s blood alcohol level tested at .233- almost three times the legal limit.
It’s really a miracle that Allysa’s injuries are not worse. I wish her the best as she recovers.
Based on the reports I have read, Alyssa’s parents have a claim against the drunk driver and/or the insurance company of the man that hit her, assuming he does have insurance. I recommend that her parents contact a Utah personal injury attorney to find out what legal remedies are available. At a minimum, the lawyer making the claim should include her medical bills, past and future, any impairment she has, pain and mental anguish she has been through, as well any scarring she has received. Punitive damages may also be available in this case. Certainly, this at-fault driver needs to get the lessen that it is completely unacceptable to drive while drunk and that when you break this rule, there are serious consequences.