Teen Driver Accused of Causing Charlotte, North Carolina Pedestrian Accident that Injured Three Booked on DWI Charges Again

August 12, 2010, by Michael A. DeMayo

Nearly two weeks after striking three people during a Charlotte, North Carolina pedestrian accident in the Elizabeth neighborhood, 19-year-old driver Kirstie Pienta has been booked for DWI. This is her second driving while intoxicated charge. Pienta was previously charged for speeding, DWI, following too closely driving after consuming under 21, and civil revocation of license. She now is also charged with driving and consuming alcohol under the age of 21 and felony serious injury by vehicle.

The Charlotte, North Carolina car crash occurred on August 1 at around 2am on 7th Street. Police say that the teen driver struck a number of pedestrians, even dragging one of them, Danielle Moore, almost 100 feet. They don’t believe that Pienta stepped on the brakes.

According to witnesses, the teen motorist was driving at a speed of at least 45 mph in a 35 mph zone. They also say that she was drinking and her speech was slurred less than half an hour before the Charlotte pedestrian accident.

One of the pedestrians that she allegedly struck, Michael Hayes, injured his leg. He says that he will have to undergo follow-up surgery. Also struck was Damion Jenkins. Moore, who sustained compound fractures to her leg, was taken to the hospital in fair condition.

Pienta, who was transported to the hospital in serious condition for her Charlotte, North Carolina car accident injuries, was taken to jail after she was discharged.

Charlotte, North Carolina Car Accidents
Our Charlotte, North Carolina car accident law firm is determined to help teenagers become aware of the dangers that can come with driving drunk. Every year, the Law Offices of Michael A. DeMayo awards college scholarships to a number of high school students who have come up with inspiring and innovative ways to discourage drunk driving among their peers.

Youth and inexperience already increase the risk that a young motorist may become involved in a traffic crash when he/she is sober—let alone when driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When injuries or death result, a young driver may have to face not just criminal charges but also a civil claim for Charlotte, North Carolina wrongful death or personal injury.

Teen accused of DWI taken to jail, Charlotte Observer, August 11, 2010

Teen who wrecked Mercedes and hit pedestrians, charged, WBTV, August 10, 2010

Teen driving Mercedes charged in wreck that hurt 3 pedestrians, WAFB, August 3, 2010

Related Web Resources:

Winners of the 2010 Michael A. DeMayo Scholarship Join the Fight to Stop North Carolina Car Accidents Caused by Underage Drinking, NorthCarolinaCarAccidentLawyerBlog, May 22, 2010

Teenage Drunk Driving Risks, AlcoholAlert.com

Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation, North Carolina Department of Transportation