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Woman Who Survived A Crash With Drunk Driver Shares Story



GOLDEN, Colo. (CBS4) - A woman who survived a crash with a drunk driver one year ago hopes her story will encourage anyone who drinks to stay off the road this weekend.

Jessica Deakin has strong feelings about the fact that driver has not been sentenced yet.

"I don't remember seeing the car coming at me, I don't remember any of it," Deakin said.

Memorial Day 2010 changed her life forever.

"All I remember is waking up in the hospital bed and wondering what just happened," Deakin said.

On a stretch of Highway 93 outside of Golden a drunk driver hit her car head on.

"I was very close to dying and I had no idea about it."

Three others were also hurt. Deakin's pelvic bone broke in nine places, her hip was destroyed, and every bone in her foot was broken.

"From my hip down I'm three-fourths metal now."

Charles Stewart hit Deakin's car at 84 miles per hour. His blood alcohol content was twice the legal limit and he later admitted to smoking marijuana. He pleaded guilty to DUI and other charges but has yet to be sentenced.

"He still has a license, he still is out on the road, he still has a job, it's like he still has his regular life."

"The justice system is so frustrating, the process is brand new to them," Pam Russell with the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office said.

It's been a tough year with surgeries, rehab and hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid medical bills.

"It was a miracle that we all survived but for me, he killed the soul," Deakin said. "He killed the person I was."

Deakin is still haunted by that night but hopes others learn from her -- a living example of what could happen when you drink and drive.

"You never know where they are; that they're actually out there. Still just the impact is just scary beyond belief."

The district attorney has filed a motion to add aggravated charges against Stewart. He could face 36 years in prison when he is sentenced next month.

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