Cameron County, TX — February 20, 2025, Alberto Sarabia and another man were injured in a possible drunk driver car accident at about 11:45 p.m. on Business 77.
According to authorities, 43-year-old Alberto Dobbins Sarabia was traveling in a westbound Ford Fusion on Business 77 in the vicinity of Line M Road/Scaief Road when the accident took place.
Officials indicate that, for reasons yet to be confirmed, a collision took place between the Ford Fusion and an eastbound Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck occupied by a 23-year-old man and a 19-year-old passenger. The pickup truck overturned over the course of the accident, according to reports.
The person who had been behind the wheel of the pickup truck had allegedly been drinking, reports state. Sarabia and the driver of the Dodge both sustained reportedly serious injuries due to the wreck. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When authorities suspect alcohol contributed to a crash, it’s important to ask not just what happened, but why. In this case, officials indicate that the driver of the Dodge Ram had allegedly been drinking before the collision that seriously injured both himself and Alberto Sarabia. If that’s true, the next logical question is: Where did he obtain alcohol before the crash?
Texas law prohibits bars, restaurants, and other alcohol providers from serving alcohol to someone who is obviously intoxicated. If the driver had been drinking at an establishment that ignored clear signs of impairment and continued serving him, that business could share responsibility for the crash under Texas dram shop law. These laws exist to hold alcohol providers accountable for reckless service and help prevent avoidable crashes like this one.
Holding all responsible parties accountable is essential. The driver may face criminal charges, but if an alcohol provider contributed to his impairment, they should also be held accountable. Without consequences, businesses have little incentive to follow the law and prevent overservice. A thorough investigation into where the driver was drinking and whether the law was followed is necessary to ensure that everyone who contributed to this crash is identified and held responsible.
