El Paso, TX — October 25, 2024, 51-year-old Ruben Acosta Jr. was killed in a collision with an alleged DWI driver on Sun Valley Drive in El Paso.
According to authorities, the incident happened around 10:55 p.m. at the intersection of Sun Valley Drive and Gateway North Boulevard. Preliminary investigation suggests 29-year-old Kevin Meacham was driving a Nissan Titan north on U.S. Highway 54 when he exited onto Gateway North. At the Sun Valley intersection Meacham attempted to turn right at too high a speed; instead of turning, the pickup continued forward and crashed into Acosta, who was stopped at the westbound light in a Chevrolet Cruze.
Ruben Acosta Jr. was critically injured in the collision. He was transported to an area hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities allege that speed and alcohol were contributing factors in the crash. Kevin Meacham was reportedly arrested on a recommended charge of Intoxication Manslaughter.
No further information is currently available.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
Police seem pretty certain that the striking driver in this accident was under the influence of alcohol. If blood tests confirm their suspicions, he may have serious legal consequences coming his way—and rightly so, as his actions that night reportedly ended a man’s life.
Some may feel that the offender’s day in court is more or less the end of the matter, but that may not be the case. In many drunk driving accidents, a third party “accomplice” of sorts may have also contributed to the damage done. That’s why it’s important to know about Texas dram shop law.
Under dram shop law a licensed alcohol vendor like a bar or restaurant cannot sell or serve drinks to an obviously intoxicated customer. Any business that illegally over-serves a customer may face harsh consequences like fines or criminal charges, but they may also be legally accountable for any injuries their drunk customer causes.
Most businesses follow the rules and not every DWI crash involves a dram shop violation, but when alcohol use and injuries may be connected then knowing where the drinks came from is important. Unfortunately, with a “bad guy” already in custody police may not keep the investigation open long enough to trace the alcohol to its source. Someone needs to, though, because that man’s loved ones deserve the whole story and accountability from everyone who caused them grief.
call us 
Email Us 
Text us