Toddler struck by alleged drunken driver faces long recovery in burn unit

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WEST JORDAN — A 2-year-old girl is recovering from serious burns after an alleged drunken driver slammed into her family's parked truck.

The Pulsiphers are grateful 2-year-old Addie is alive, but she's got a long recovery ahead in the University of Utah Hospital burn unit.

We expect to be safe from traffic in the neighborhoods and on the sidewalk.

"We brought the truck and trailer with us. We parked it on the side of the road," McKay Pulsipher said.

He was with his young daughters when it all happened Sunday in West Jordan.

Two-year-old Addie Pulsipher faces a long recovery after she was hit by an alleged drunken driver in West Jordan Sunday. (Photo: Pulsipher family)

"I didn't even see the car hit us at all. I just felt the car lurch back and then I fell back," he said.

He and 5-year-old Bailey were fine, but 2-year-old Addie was hurt badly.

Her mother, Samantha Pulsipher, said, "The tire separated her muscles from all her skin and fat on the bottom portion of her leg."

Her parents said Addie will be in the hospital for about six weeks. She's had three surgeries so far in four days.

"She smiles sometimes, but she's going through a lot of pain and it's a hard time for her," her mother said.

But they say Addie remains in good spirits.

"She loves to be outside, so this is really hard for her being in a hospital bed," her father said.

Big sister Bailey is taking it hard after she saw the whole thing happen.

Samantha Pulsipher said, "She told me she thinks it's her fault because she's supposed to protect her sister."

We all want to protect our little ones but, in this case, police said 59-year-old Bobby Barker was so inebriated that he had trouble standing Sunday.

The Pulsiphers are grateful Addie is alive, but they have one simple request with this story.

McKay and Samantha Pulsipher in front of University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City, Friday say their 2-year-old daughter faces a long recovery after she was hit by an alleged drunk driver in West Jordan, Sunday. (Photo: Mike Anderson, KSL-TV)

"That it will help even one person know that they should not drive while under the influence of anything that can inhibit their driving," Samantha Pulsipher said.

Because we should be able to feel safe on the sidewalk.

"I hope other people will realize the big mistakes they can have if they're under the influence of anything," she added.

One mistake can change lives.

Barker was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Family members have set up a GoFundMe * account for the Pulsiphers' medical expenses.

*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.