courtroomJake Antonio Arrats will face a jury trial set on November 1 this year by the 8th District Court. Reports indicated that a $15,000 warrant was issued by a judge after he failed to appear for a court hearing last April. He was arrested last July 31 and is presently in the Duchesne County Jail.

He pleaded not guilty to charges of DUI, a third-degree felony; texting while driving, a class B misdemeanor; and four other misdemeanor traffic offenses.

Arrats was involved in a car accident that left Keri Houston with life threatening injuries. According to Roosevelt police Keri Houston, 19, was sitting in a parked car on January 28 when she was sideswiped by Arrats. Police said that Houston’s door was open and her left foot was planted on the ground outside when the crash happened, causing a near-complete amputation of her leg in two places.

Investigators found that Arrats was driving under the influence and replying to a text message with the words “Ha ha” at the time.

Doctors believed that Houston’s life was saved by a Good Samaritan who was smart enough to use his belt as makeshift tourniquet to reduce blood loss.

Jeff Houston, Keri’s father, stated that his daughter had undergone 11 surgeries. Medical intervention included taking 18 inches of muscle and tissue from her back to rebuild her leg.

At present, Keri Houston uses crutches to move around and is expected to walk again but it will not be the same as before the accident.

Christensen & Hymas is glad that Keri Houston is on her way to recovery. This accident is another illustration of the dangers of DUI and distracted driving. The damage to life, limb and property surely leave scars on people who are directly and indirectly affected by such unfortunate events.

As such, we at Christensen & Hymas encourage all motorists not to drive distracted or under the influence. Call us at (801)-506-0800 for a consultation on compensation claims for injuries sustained as a result of reckless driving and negligence.

Original article by Geoff Liesik of Deseret News.

Photo courtesy of Ben Sutherland.