Survivor shares struggles after crash that killed husband, critically injured son

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – On the best way to Harry Reid Airport to catch a flight for a household trip, a suspected drunk driver modified the lives of a household of 4 endlessly. For the primary time, we’re listening to from the mom and spouse, who survived the lethal crash, concerning the household’s struggles since and their battle for justice.

“It’s a nighttime of typically crying or screaming, sleepless nights… I can see every thing that occurred,” shared Kristen Palmatier.

On June 1, 2022, close to Centennial Excessive College and I-215, police say Lisa Guerino was driving drunk after taking 5 photographs of tequila at a bar and did not cease at a cease signal. They report Guerino was going 66 miles per hour in a 45-mile-per-hour zone. The brakes by no means utilized. Manufacturing engineer, Steve Palmatier, 37, was killed within the crash.

“He was a really form man. He labored very very exhausting,” mentioned his spouse Kristen. Their 3-year-old son Wyatt was critically injured.

“I spent virtually a month within the hospital with my son. He was in important look after a lot of days on a ventilator,” Kristen defined. The toddler is out of the hospital now however faces an extended street to restoration.

“We don’t know if he has full imaginative and prescient in his left eye. We now have to return in a few months to test as his mind continues to heal. I don’t know if he will likely be in particular training providers and disabled for the remainder of his life,” Kristen acknowledged.

Kristen advised FOX5, Guerino’s insurance coverage gained’t pay out until she agrees to not sue her.

“Her insurance coverage is making an attempt to strong-arm me into signing a type that claims I cannot sue her for any more cash. The quantity of her coverage is so small that it doesn’t even make a dent… my son is at virtually half 1,000,000 {dollars} in medical payments,” Kristen revealed. That might additionally not cowl her or her daughter’s medical payments or bills for her husband’s funeral. Kristen has additionally been advised beneath Nevada regulation, she will’t sue the bar that she believes overserved Guerino.

“We’re one in every of seven states that can’t maintain bars accountable,” Guerino contended.

As for Guerino, the motive force charged with inflicting the lethal crash, Kristen hopes she is sentenced to the utmost.

“We for the remainder of our lives will likely be dwelling a life sentence of this and we are going to carry this till we, sadly, cross away,” Kristen acknowledged.

Kristen and her youngsters will likely be in courtroom to face Guerino throughout a listening to Tuesday morning. If you need to assist the household, here’s a hyperlink to a GoFundMe web page.

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