There should be a law in every state that those deemed as "DWI", Driving While Intoxicated or
"DUI", Driving Under the Influence must pay for their damages.
For this article, I'll use the word,"he". Feel free to substitute, "she" if it refers to your experience.
He knew he had been drinking. I was driving along the National highway and saw a vehicle coming out of a club/liquor store combination.
I'd noticed the vehicle as it stopped at the exit of the parking lot as I passed.
I was enjoying a beautiful Autumn evening drive back to my residence. I'd said "farewell" to a group of friends at a barbecue because in four days I was moving back home a day's drive away.
I was sad to say "so long" to my friends but looked forward to going home. I'd not lived there in eighteen years.
When we moved away to another area, we were the happiest married couple on earth.
Death stepped in and spoiled my dreams.
I made the motions to continue my journey through time until I hear Gabriel blows his horn for me. Oh, how I hope he'll blow a saxophone. Then I'll know he's really calling me.
I moved again states away from where I was "snug as a bug in a rug" to be near relatives that I did not really know. Visits were always cordial and pleasant. Little did I know the true people. For believing them and moving I should have been put into a mental institution for life. Instead I found earth is Hell. Anyplace else has to be better.
Ahhh, home, here I come, less than ninety-six hours left before I'd be happy again. The night air was so comfortable, I had the passenger window down about four inches for air. I never drive with my window down.
I saw the only traffic light in this burg turn red and all were driving thirty-five miles per hour or less and slowing down going in my direction. In front of me I could see two vehicles, and immediately in front of me was an empty logging truck. I did not block the cross street and stayed away from the logging truck's extended trailer.
Whammmmmm! When I realized where I was, the car was still in the same place, my foot was on the brake but that full bench seat of the Impala was in the back seat and the seat belt was holding me in place tight in the seat.
Everything lit up around me like a Broadway show. The policeman, who I learned later was a "posse" member. They assist the department especially for parades and festive occasions but once in a while they are pressed to hold the peace. They are not sworn to issue citations.
The Emergency Squad, reached into my passenger side window and pull open the door and then opened the other three doors. I got back-boarded and cocooned so tight I could only move my eyes and fingers without pain. Talking was done through my teeth.
We all survived the ride to the hospital at breakneck speed and enough noise to scare deer for five miles in any direction.
Now, back home it is insurance carrier time. I got a home visit. I was mummy wrapped by the hospital. My insurance company offered me $500 cash for my ordeal on the spot. There was no mention of car repair. Of course, I declined. The agent left.
I was furious, I'm in agonizing pain. I've a hospital bill. I've lost my new job because I am in no way able to report. If only I'd signed my contract while I was home during the summer before I left to get my winter clothes and car to return home.
The drunk driver was given all the tests, I was told. He got no ticket or citation because a "sworn" officer did not conduct the investigation of the accident. He walked. However he was charged with the accident. He was driving a vehicle, not his and not insured for him to drive, I learned later. He was already on the suspension list for drunk driving. Of course there was no trial.
My insurance company had to have known this when the agent came to offer me the $500.
Because I sign nothing while I have any pain killing medicine in my system, I saved myself more trouble. Also the typing was so small, I could not read it. I could not hold the paper in my hand to try and read it. My insurance had to pay for my hospital bills and repair of my car. Because I had not signed my work contract. I got no money for lost work.
In every state should be a law that if a drunk driver has no insurance or assets to cover the damage he causes, until his death a garnishment should follow him on his driver's license until the debt is paid then his estate must pay the balance before his heirs receive a dime. Also if he should get a job or win a lottery or come into some money he should pay his debt to the person he harmed.
I bet drunks would consider the new consequences before getting in their cars and go speeding down a highway and hurting someone.
Patricia Barbee, © 2008
