A two-vehicle crash in Beaumont on Saturday night resulted in the death of 78-year-old Charlotte Warren. According to authorities, the collision occurred on the 3500 block of Major Drive, and Warren was transported to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. The other driver was arrested at the scene and later charged with intoxication manslaughter.
Whenever I hear about a crash involving an allegedly intoxicated driver, I can’t help but wonder about the events leading up to it. In situations like this, one of the first questions that comes to mind is whether a bar or restaurant overserved the driver before the crash.
Could a Bar or Restaurant Share Responsibility?
Texas dram shop law holds alcohol-serving establishments accountable if they serve alcohol to someone who is obviously intoxicated, and that person then causes harm. If the driver had been drinking at a bar or restaurant before the crash, investigators will need to determine whether he was visibly impaired at the time he was served.
What Kinds of Evidence Should Be Examined?
To determine whether a bar or restaurant may have played a role in this crash, investigators will need to collect key pieces of evidence. Credit card receipts can show where and when the driver made purchases, while surveillance footage can reveal whether he showed visible signs of intoxication before being served additional drinks. Witness statements from bar staff or patrons may also provide insight into whether he was allegedly impaired and continued to be served. If an establishment ignored these warning signs and kept serving alcohol, they could share responsibility for what happened.
Why These Types of Questions Are Important
Holding all responsible parties accountable is critical for the victims and their families. Too often, intoxicated drivers aren’t the only ones at fault—establishments that overserve patrons play a role as well. In my experience, these investigations often uncover crucial details that aren’t immediately obvious, making it essential to examine the full picture of what happened before the crash.