Paula Penigar Killed in Arlington Pedestrian Accident on Interstate Highway 20

Arlington, Texas (August 16, 2020) – The woman who was fatally hit by an intoxicated driver Thursday afternoon in Arlington has been identified as Paula Penigar, 53, of Fort Worth, according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The deadly accident happened at about 1:23 p.m., August 13, in the 900 block of East Interstate Highway 20, near Collins Street.

Police said an SUV was heading westbound on the interstate when the driver switched lanes and rear-ended a Jeep Comanche. The force of the impact caused the SUV driver to lose control, leave the roadway, and hit Penigar, who was working in the central grassy median area, removing trash and debris.

Penigar was pronounced dead at the scene. She was wearing a reflective vest and was working as a subcontractor for the Texas Department of Transportation.

The SUV driver, James Miller, 34, was arrested on suspicion of intoxication manslaughter.

An investigation is underway.

We pass our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Paula Penigar.

In Texas, a driver is legally intoxicated after consuming alcohol if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08% or higher. A driver is also considered intoxicated if they don’t have the normal use of their mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol. Alcohol however is not the only intoxicant, as drivers can become intoxicated by ingesting prescription and illegal drugs such as crack, marijuana, and cocaine.

Regardless of what substance caused the driver’s reaction time to become significantly altered, intoxication by any means can cause terrible accidents and injuries.

Innocent victims harmed by drunk drivers are entitled to compensation for their injuries, including but not limited to medical expenses; lost wages; pain and suffering and mental anguish; physical impairment and disability; and most importantly, punitive damages to deter future conduct. If a death occurred because of a drunk driver, you will want a knowledgeable accident lawyer to bring a wrongful death action against the drunk driver.

To speak with one of our highly qualified lawyers at  Joel A. Gordon & Associates,  Click to call: 281-943-5555.