Dickinson woman sues alleged drunk driver for $1M

GALVESTON - After she was reportedly struck by a drunk driver in League City six months ago, Dickinson local Maria Moreno and her minor passenger have filed a lawsuit seeking $1 million in damages.

Recent court documents filed Sept. 25 in Galveston County District Court assert Mary Benitez, also of Dickinson, rear-ended the plaintiffs at the intersection of Highway 3 and FM 646 and failed to stop and render aid the night of March 10.

Moreno says she was driving southbound on Highway 3 and came to a stop at the intersection with plans to turn eastbound onto FM 646 "when the defendant came from behind and collided in the rear."

The suit shows "the collision was severe enough to cause damage to [Mrs. Maria Moreno's] vehicle and several injure both plaintiffs upon impact."

It claims Benitez "seemed to be in a daze and out of sorts and was observed to not be walking as if she were sober," adding the defendant got into her vehicle and fled the scene upon learning that the police were coming.

Moreno says she and the child took down Benitez's license plate "and were able to track her down through their due diligence."

According to the original petition, the complainants sustained injuries to their necks, shoulders, arms, backs and other parts of their bodies.

Meanwhile, Benitez is faulted for "both driving under the influence of intoxicants and not controlling her vehicle."

Moreno consequently seeks $1 million in damages and a jury trial.

Attorney C. Chad Pinkerton of Houston is representing the plaintiffs, and Galveston County 405th District Court Judge Wayne Mallia is presiding over the case.

Case No. 12-cv-2081