Teenage Girl Critically Injured in Alleged Drunk Driving Accident in East Providence, RI

According to recent news reports from East Providence, Rhode Island, a 14-year-old girl has suffered critical injuries after she was struck by an alleged drunk driver. The injury auto accident happened on Wednesday, March 9 around 9 p.m. on Crescent View Avenue when Susan Benedetti, 49, of East Providence, was driving a black Nissan and struck the girl. Benedetti has been charged with DUI resulting in personal injury. Police reported that her B.A.C. level was double the legal limit at the time of the accident. Her bail was set at $20,000. The injured girl was last listed in critical condition at Hasbro Children's Hospital.

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When a suspected drunk driver causes a wreck resulting in injury, the alleged drunk driver can be held civilly liable for the results of their actions, regardless of whether or not criminal charges have been brought in connection to the same accident. Furthermore, if a suspected drunk driver was over-served alcohol at a bar or restaurant prior to causing an accident, that alcohol-serving establishment may bear partial liability for a drunk driving wreck under Rhode Island dram shop law. However, assessing all liable parties often cannot be properly accomplished without the assistance of an independent investigation.

- Texas Drunk Driving Collision Attorney Michael Grossman