Driver Charged with DUI after injuring 9 Children

 Posted on August 11, 2013 in Personal Injury

As reported by NBC News and several other media outlets, 30 year old far south side resident, Tonica Conwell has been charged with DUI and child endangerment after losing control of the vehicle she was driving on I-57.

According to reports, Conwell was in the vehicle along with one other adult and nine children ranging in age from three to fourteen. She was driving south on I-57 when a witness stated that it appeared that she was trying to make a sudden lane change. It was at that time that she lost control of the vehicle. The Suburban rolled up the embankment at approximately 99^th Street before it landed on its roof. Witnesses also to law enforcement that she was traveling at a high rate of speed at the time of the accident.

All of the children were taken to area hospitals where they were treated for injuries that are not life threatening. The driver as well as the other adult in the vehicle was also taken to the hospital. Law enforcement officials report that a few of the passengers were her children. She was given seven citations for not having some of the children properly restrained, charged with nine counts of endangering a child, as well as her DUI charge. There were no other vehicles involved.

Driving under the influence is a serious charge, especially when there are children involved. If someone has been negligent in the care of your children, which led to the mental or physical injury of your child, contact an experienced Illinois personal injury attorney today. Do not assume that because there is not a permanent physical injury to yourself or your child, that you do not have a case to bring before the court. Your attorney will assess all of the facts of the case and advise you on the best course of action going forward.