Countless tourists come to Las Vegas to celebrate the holidays under the lights of the Strip. Conversely, many residents travel to be with relatives during this time of year. A few people prefer to commemorate Christmas or Hanukkah with their immediate family at home.

But no one wants to spend part of the holiday season in a hospital bed.

Sadly, at least two people will be doing that after a motor vehicle collision in the west valley last night which involved a suspected drunk driver. About 11:30pm, a 26-year old woman was driving a 2002 BMW X5 east on Tropicana Boulevard near the Spanish Trail Country Club. Metro Police say that the woman ran a red light at the intersection of South Rainbow Boulevard and slammed into a 2000 Toyota Camry.

The impact lifted the Camry over a raised median on Tropicana and into the side of another vehicle in a left-turn lane. No one was injured in that third vehicle, but the two occupants of the Camry were rushed to University Medical Center. One of them was critically injured, while the other suffered serious injuries. The driver of the BMW was arrested by police and charged with driving under the influence.

The two DUI accident victims may have to stay in the hospital for a few days (or longer). But if they were to file a personal injury lawsuit against the 26-year old woman, they could receive reimbursement for their hospitalization charges, medical bills, prescription drugs, and future physical therapy sessions. The plaintiffs may also be entitled to wages that were unearned due to lost time at work, as well as damages for emotional distress and loss of care or companionship.