Wood County, TX — June 29, 2025, Billy James and Ashley Rossie were injured in a possible drunk driver accident at around 10:45 p.m. on Kilpatrick Street.
According to initial details about the accident, it took place in the area of the Kilpatrick Street and US 80/Broad Street intersection.
Investigators reported that 34-year-old Billy James was on foot and 37-year-old Ashley Rossie was on a bicycle on Kilpatrick Street at the time. A Dodge Ram was going eastbound when it appears the driver struck both Billy James and Ashley Rossie.
Due to the collision, Billy James and Ashley Rossie reportedly sustained serious injuries. No other injuries were reported. Authorities allege that the Dodge driver had been drinking, but intoxication has not yet been confirmed.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
If intoxication is even suspected, as it appears to be in this incident, it raises a key question that often doesn’t get the attention it deserves: Could this have been prevented long before the driver ever got behind the wheel?
At this point, it’s important to note that intoxication hasn’t been confirmed. But if it is, that could open the door to a much broader set of concerns. Chief among them is whether an alcohol provider may have played a role by over-serving someone who was already showing obvious signs of impairment.
When a bar, restaurant, or other licensed provider serves alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person, they may be responsible if that person then causes injury. It’s a safety net designed not just for punishment, but for prevention—and for accountability that goes deeper than surface-level fault. Drunk drivers obviously have their own consequences to face. It’s only reasonable that an alcohol provider putting the community at risk should also face appropriate consequences.
That’s why confirmation of intoxication isn’t just a detail in a police report. It can determine whether further investigation is warranted, and whether there might be further legal consequences for those involved.
Key takeaways:
- If intoxication is confirmed, it’s worth asking where the alcohol came from—and whether overservice occurred.
- Dram shop law allows for accountability beyond the driver when alcohol providers enable dangerous behavior.
- Victims and families may have legal options that depend on a full and accurate investigation into impairment.
call us 
Email Us 
Text us