Galveston County, TX — November 12, 2024, Michael Crumby, Janet Crumby, and two others were injured following a car accident at around 6:38 p.m. on Highway 6.

According to initial statements on the accident, it took place in west Santa Fe near Highway 6 and Morning Glory Drive.

Michael Crumby, Janet Crumby, Car Accident in Santa Fe, TX

Investigators said that 66-year-old Michael Crumby Sr. and 65-year-old Janet Crumby was in a Chevy Silverado going eastbound along the highway. Two others were in a westbound GMC. Authorities say the GMC driver failed to stay in their lane, and the two vehicles collided.

As a result of the collision, a passenger in the GMC had serious injuries. Michael Crumby, Janet Crumby, and the GMC driver had possibly minor injuries, according to officials. While unconfirmed, authorities say the GMC driver may have been drinking.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

If authorities do confirm that alcohol was a factor here, it raises important questions beyond the actions of the driver. Specifically, it’s worth asking: where did the driver get their alcohol, and was it provided lawfully?

Under Texas dram shop laws, alcohol providers can be held accountable if they serve alcohol to someone who is obviously intoxicated and that person causes harm to themselves or others. This is a critical part of the law, designed to prevent precisely the kind of danger that arises when impaired individuals are on the road.

In situations like this, a thorough investigation should determine whether a bar, restaurant, or other establishment contributed to the crash by over-serving the driver. If that happened, those affected by the crash have a right to see the alcohol provider held accountable. Doing so not only helps those involved but also reinforces the importance of following the law to prevent future accidents.

Accountability starts with getting the full picture. Simply focusing entirely on one wrongdoer risks letting something important slip through the cracks. It remains to be seen how thorough authorities have been in their efforts here.

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