According to the Houston Police Department, a 67-year-old man was struck and killed by a black Toyota Camry around 10:10 p.m. Sunday night at 100 North Chartres Street. Investigators say the man was crossing the street when he was hit by a northbound vehicle. The driver, identified as a 29-year-old woman, was arrested and charged with alleged DWI. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released his name, and the investigation remains open.
Whenever I hear about a crash like this, I want to understand not just what happened in the moment, but also how the driver ended up behind the wheel in the first place.
Could a Bar or Alcohol Provider Be Liable Under Texas Dram Shop Law?
While the driver faces criminal charges, another important question is where she allegedly obtained the alcohol. Under Texas dram shop law, a bar or alcohol-serving business may be held civilly liable if they served a customer who was obviously intoxicated and allowed that person to drive. If the driver was overserved by a business before getting behind the wheel, that provider could potentially share responsibility for this crash. Identifying the source of the alcohol is a critical part of this process.
What Evidence Should Be Examined?
To determine whether a dram shop claim might apply, investigators will need to gather information about the driver’s whereabouts before the crash. That includes reviewing credit card receipts, surveillance footage, witness interviews, and any statements made by the driver about where she had been drinking. Toxicology reports and the timing of her alleged consumption may also help establish whether she was overserved and impaired before getting into the car.
Why a Complete Investigation Matters
Criminal charges can address one part of the incident, but they don’t always explain how the situation came to be. In my experience, identifying whether a bar enabled someone to drive drunk is just as important as looking at the condition of the driver. A thorough investigation helps answer all of these questions.