Early Saturday morning, a 19-year-old man was struck and killed by a vehicle while outside his disabled truck on Interstate 30 near Baird Farm Road in Arlington. According to police, Angel Alonso had exited his vehicle and was using his phone’s flashlight to warn other drivers after crashing into an abandoned vehicle around 3:50 a.m. A 33-year-old woman then allegedly drove into Alonso and his vehicle while traveling in the main lanes of traffic. Alonso was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman was arrested and charged with DWI, and police noted that additional charges are pending.
In any fatal crash involving suspected intoxication, it’s important to ask where the driver had been drinking and whether overservice played a role.
Could a Bar or Alcohol Provider Share Responsibility?
Under Texas dram shop law, alcohol-serving businesses are prohibited from serving patrons who are obviously intoxicated. If the driver who allegedly caused this crash was served alcohol after showing signs of clear impairment, the business that served her could be held civilly liable for contributing to the fatal outcome.
What Evidence Should Be Collected?
In cases like this, the hours leading up to the crash are often just as important as the moments on the highway. Investigators should examine whether the woman visited any bars, restaurants, or events where alcohol was served. That includes reviewing surveillance footage, gathering receipts, speaking to witnesses, and checking financial records. If a licensed provider played a role in overserving the driver, that evidence needs to be preserved before it disappears.
How a Thorough Investigation Can Help
While a criminal DWI charge may address one piece of the puzzle, it doesn’t always reveal the full story. If a business contributed to the circumstances that led to this crash, that information must be considered. A complete investigation is the best way to figure out exactly what happened and why.