A collision on U.S. Highway 380 in Prosper resulted in the death of Raquel Torres Sawyer, a 41-year-old school nurse. The crash happened at around 5 p.m. last Friday at the intersection with Lovers Lane. According to police, the driver of a pickup truck who caused the crash was allegedly intoxicated at the time and has been charged with intoxication manslaughter. Reports also indicate he has a prior DWI arrest.
Whenever I hear about a crash involving an alleged repeat drunk driver, I can’t help but wonder how they were able to get behind the wheel again and whether a bar or restaurant might have played a role in the incident.
Could a Bar or Restaurant Share Responsibility?
Under Texas dram shop law, an alcohol provider may be held accountable if they serve alcohol to someone who was obviously intoxicated, and that person goes on to cause harm. In this case, investigators should look into where the driver was drinking prior to the crash and whether staff at that establishment ignored clear signs of impairment.
What Evidence Should Be Examined?
To determine whether a bar or restaurant may share responsibility, investigators will need to gather receipts, credit card statements, surveillance footage, and witness statements from the hours leading up to the crash. Social media activity, cell phone records, and toxicology results can also provide key insights. In my experience, these cases often hinge on details that aren’t obvious at first but can make all the difference in holding the right parties accountable.
Why a Full Investigation Matters
While the criminal charge is an important step, I’ve seen time and again that a more detailed investigation often reveals key facts about how and why these crashes happen. In many dram shop cases, it takes extra work to uncover the full story—but those efforts are essential for providing clarity to those affected and ensuring accountability.