A crash in Amarillo on January 3rd left one person dead and two others critically injured. According to police, the collision happened around 9:40 p.m. on Soncy Road near Legend Avenue. A 2022 Ram 2500, driven by 29-year-old Carlos Coronado, allegedly swerved into oncoming traffic to avoid rear-ending another vehicle and struck a 2019 Ford Escape. The driver of the Escape, Clebson Roberto Hillario Da Silva, was killed at the scene, while a 34-year-old woman and a 2-year-old child in the Escape were rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. The alleged drunk driver was arrested and charged with intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault.
When I hear about crashes like this, I always ask whether the investigation is uncovering all the details and whether every contributing factor is being explored. Nothing less should be expected in a fatal accident.
Was the Investigation Thorough?
Whenever alcohol is suspected in a crash, a detailed investigation is crucial. In this case, confirming the alleged drunk driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is a key step, but that’s just a first step.
Where Did the Driver Consume Alcohol?
One of the most important questions in any case involving alleged drunk driving is where the alcohol was consumed. Texas dram shop laws may hold establishments accountable if they overserve an obviously intoxicated patron who later causes harm. Investigators should look into whether the alleged drunk driver was served alcohol at a bar or restaurant before the crash.
To answer this, investigators may need to review receipts, surveillance footage, or witness accounts to establish whether the driver was overserved. This information can help clarify the events leading to the crash.
What Evidence Needs to Be Collected?
In a case like this, timely evidence collection is critical. The alleged drunk driver’s BAC results, Engine Control Modules (ECMs) from both vehicles, and surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras could all provide valuable details.
For example, ECMs can show the speed, braking, and steering inputs from the moments leading up to the crash. Securing this data quickly is important, as delays can result in lost or overwritten information that might be essential to the investigation.
Why This Investigation Matters
When a crash results in serious injuries and loss of life, it’s essential that every question is answered. While the arrest of the alleged drunk driver is an important step, it’s only part of the process. A thorough investigation helps ensure accountability, provides clarity, and allows those affected to understand what happened. In my experience, news reports don’t always provide the full picture of what happened and why.