UPDATE (February 3, 2025): Recent reports have been released which clarify several details concerning this accident. According to those reports, the driver of a Honda Civic—a 39-year-old man from Las Cruces, New Mexico—was under the influence of alcohol and failed to stop for a red light indicated by the traffic signal. Both he and 20-year-old man who had been behind the wheel of a Dodge Charger suffered serious injuries due to the wreck. There was apparently a third vehicle involved—a Nissan Rogue—though it does not appear to have been occupied. Additional details are not currently available. Investigations continue.

El Paso, TX — January 14, 2025, two people were injured following a car accident shortly after 1:00 a.m. along Hercules Avenue.

According to authorities, the accident took place in the vicinity of the Hercules Avenue and Magnetic Street intersection.

Details surrounding the accident remain scarce. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a collision took place involving at least one vehicle. One person reportedly became entrapped in the wreckage and had to be extricated by emergency personnel. Once freed from the wreckage, they and one other victim were transported to local medical facilities by EMS in order to receive treatment for the injuries they incurred over the course of the accident. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identities of the victims—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When reviewing incidents like this, it’s important to ask not just what happened, but why it happened. Authorities now allege that the driver of the Honda Civic was intoxicated when he ran a red light, leading to a serious crash. If that’s the case, then the next logical question is: Where did he obtain alcohol before getting behind the wheel?

Texas law prohibits alcohol providers—such as bars and restaurants—from serving alcohol to someone who is obviously intoxicated. If an establishment overserved the driver despite clear signs of impairment, that business could share responsibility for the crash under Texas dram shop law. This law exists to ensure that alcohol providers take their responsibilities seriously and don’t contribute to preventable harm.

Holding all responsible parties accountable is critical. The driver may face criminal charges, but if an alcohol provider played a role in his intoxication, they should also be held to account. Without consequences, there’s little incentive for businesses 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.

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