Authorities reported that two people were killed and one was injured early Friday morning after a high-speed collision on Interstate 10 eastbound near the Sawyer Street exit in Houston. According to officials, a Tesla allegedly rear-ended a Nissan sedan at a high rate of speed, causing the Nissan to catch fire. Both occupants of the Nissan were pronounced dead at the scene. The Tesla reportedly struck barriers on both sides of the freeway before coming to a stop. The driver of the Tesla was taken into custody and charged with two counts of intoxication manslaughter while the passenger was transported to the hospital with injuries.
Crashes involving alleged drunk driving often prompt questions not only about the driver’s actions, but also about whether an establishment may have contributed to the situation by serving alcohol to someone who was already obviously intoxicated.
Potential Role of Overservice Under Texas Dram Shop Law
Under Texas law, a bar, restaurant, or alcohol-serving business can be held liable if it provided alcohol to someone who was obviously intoxicated to the point of posing a clear danger to themselves or others, and that overservice led to injury or death. If evidence shows the driver had been drinking at a licensed establishment before the collision, investigators will need to determine whether employees recognized signs of visible impairment but continued serving alcohol.
Interviewing witnesses, reviewing receipts, and checking point-of-sale records can help identify where the driver was served and how much alcohol was provided. Video from inside the establishment can offer further proof of whether the patron’s intoxication would have been apparent to staff.
Evidence That May Support a Broader Investigation
In addition to criminal evidence collected by police, civil investigators may seek the Tesla’s Engine Control Module (ECM) data to determine vehicle speed and impact force. This information can help establish how recklessly the vehicle was being driven and the level of impairment involved. Toxicology results, along with records from potential alcohol providers, will be critical to determining whether a dram shop claim could apply.
Why Comprehensive Investigation Is Important
When a crash involves allegations of intoxication and multiple fatalities, it is essential to examine every contributing factor, including potential overservice by an alcohol provider. Establishing where and how the driver became intoxicated helps ensure full accountability and provides answers to those affected by this serious crash.
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