“I’m Sorry”, Doesn’t Cut It
Legal & Safety Blog
by Matthew J. Devoti
Kathleen Koutrobis died in a car crash two years ago. Koutrobis was a victim of reckless driving. Two middle aged men killed her, reportedly drag racing and driving while intoxicated.
Koutrobis’ death is the worst kind of injury – injury that is completely preventable. Her death apparently upset one of the drivers. According to his lawyer, the man was “devastated to learn” that Koutrobis passed away.
A jury recently found the second driver, Scott Bailey – a personal injury lawyer, guilty of second-degree manslaughter. He will be sentenced in November and could face up to 7 years in prison. The first driver, Haven Sooter, faces second-degree murder and DWI charges when his trial begins in November. The victim’s family also has pending civil suits against Bailey, Sooter and Sooter’s roommate who allegedly gave him the keys to his BMW the night of the crash.
In the meantime, we must all resolve to drive safely, remembering all those other folks with which we share the road. Laws prohibiting drunk driving, mandating speed limits, and directing the way in which we signal and change lanes must be followed. We must put down our cell phones and soft drinks and make-up, refuse in-coming calls, and deny the urge to send and receive text messages while behind the wheel.
In sum, all of us must remember that we have the responsibility – in fact, the legal obligation – to drive our cars, trucks, motorcycles and SUVs as a very careful person would drive her vehicle in the same or similar circumstance.
Matthew Devoti is a trial attorney with Casey & Devoti, a St. Louis-based personal injury law firm. Together, he and his law partner Matt Casey have nearly 40 years of trial experience. They handle a variety of personal injury matters, including: car, truck and train crashes, victims of impaired and distracted driving, medical malpractice and birth injuries, product liability, slips/trips/falls, elder care and sexual abuse, Workers’ Compensation, and wrongful death. Matt and Matt proudly serve clients throughout metropolitan St. Louis, southeastern Missouri and southern Illinois. If you or a loved one have been injured by the negligence of another, call the office today for a free, no-obligation consultation: (314) 421-0763.
