A crash on the East Freeway Saturday night left one person dead and another injured after a pickup truck parked in an active westbound lane. Authorities report that 42-year-old James Anthony Adkins was operating a Dodge Ram when he allegedly stopped in the number one lane without lights on, causing a Kia Optima to crash into the back of his truck.
The driver of the Kia, Charmayne Lashawn Bridges, was pronounced dead at the scene, and her passenger, Paige Shonteal Elaine Chapman, was transported to Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center with minor injuries. Adkins, who showed signs of alleged intoxication, has been charged with Intoxication Manslaughter.
For me, this case raises important questions about whether an alcohol provider may share responsibility under Texas dram shop laws.
Was the Allegedly Intoxicated Driver Overserved?
Texas law holds alcohol-serving establishments accountable if they serve someone who is obviously intoxicated who then later causes harm to others. In this case, investigators should examine where the Dodge driver allegedly consumed alcohol before the crash.
There are many pieces of evidence they could examine, which includes receipts, surveillance footage, and witness statements from any bars, restaurants, or other establishments he may have visited. If an establishment overserved him despite clear signs of impairment, it may bear some responsibility for this incident.
What Evidence Should Be Collected?
Establishing whether an alcohol provider played a role in this crash requires a thorough review of the Dodge driver’s activities leading up to the crash. Investigators should trace his steps, secure receipts or credit card records, and analyze surveillance footage to determine whether he was overserved.
Witness testimony can also be critical. Did anyone observe the driver allegedly consuming alcohol? Was he visibly impaired? These details are essential for building a clear picture of what happened and whether others contributed to the events leading to this crash.
Why These Questions Are Critical
This crash caused a fatality and an injury, so understanding the role of alcohol in the incident is crucial for ensuring accountability. If a bar or alcohol provider violated dram shop laws, they should be held responsible for their actions.
In my experience, investigations into crashes involving intoxicated drivers often uncover preventable mistakes by a bar or restaurant. Answering these questions helps those affected by the crash understand what happened and provides a path forward.