Update (January 28, 2025): The driver who was arrested in this case reportedly has been charged with intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault with a vehicle causing serious bodily injury.
San Antonio, TX — January 26, 2025, Virginia Alaniz was killed and another person was injured in a car accident at about 4 p.m. on the access road for Southeast Loop 410.
Authorities said a car was speeding on the access road when it crashed into another car that was stopped at a red light at South Presa Street. The impact forced the car into another vehicle.
Virginia Alaniz, 80, died in the crash, while another passenger in the car was hospitalized with a broken leg, according to authorities.
The driver of the first car was hospitalized after the crash as well, authorities said. The 51-year-old man is expected to be charged with intoxication manslaughter.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash. The accident is still under investigation.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When authorities suspect that intoxication played a role in a fatal crash, as in this incident, it’s important to examine how the situation developed. Reports indicate that the driver of a speeding car is expected to be charged with intoxication manslaughter after a collision that resulted in the death of an 80-year-old woman. While the focus will understandably be on the driver’s alleged impairment, it’s worth asking: Where did the driver obtain alcohol, and could anyone else bear responsibility for what happened?
In Texas, dram shop laws recognize that alcohol providers have a duty to serve responsibly. Specifically, it is unlawful for bars, restaurants or other establishments to serve alcohol to someone who is obviously intoxicated. If an alcohol provider violated this law, they may share responsibility for contributing to the events that led to this crash.
To understand the full scope of what happened, it’s essential to investigate where the driver was drinking before the crash. In many cases, impaired drivers are coming from establishments that overlooked visible signs of intoxication and continued serving them. Identifying whether that occurred here could help ensure accountability and improve public safety by reinforcing the importance of responsible alcohol service.
A thorough investigation is crucial, not only to determine what led to this crash but also to prevent similar incidents in the future. Holding all responsible parties accountable under dram shop law can help protect others and make our roads safer for everyone.
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