A head-on collision on San Antonio’s South Side Monday morning left a 19-year-old man seriously injured and the other driver facing charges of intoxication assault. The crash occurred around 9:55 a.m. in the 14600 block of Pleasanton Road. According to police, the teen was driving a Nissan Sentra northbound when a Chevrolet Silverado, driven by a 56-year-old woman, allegedly veered into his lane and struck his vehicle head-on.
The teen was taken to a nearby hospital with serious injuries and is reported to be in stable condition. The Silverado driver, who allegedly showed signs of intoxication at the scene, was also hospitalized and is expected to face charges of intoxication assault.
Whenever I hear about a head-on collision like this, it raises questions about whether investigators are uncovering every contributing factor to the crash.
What Caused the Driver to Veer Into Oncoming Traffic?
The most pressing question is why the Silverado veered into the northbound lane. Police suspect impairment, but other factors should also be considered. If so, that certainly affects the kind of evidence and investigation police should conduct.
Was Alcohol Served to the Silverado Driver Before the Crash?
If alcohol contributed to this crash, investigators should explore whether a third party could share responsibility. Texas dram shop laws hold establishments accountable if they serve alcohol to someone who is "obviously intoxicated" and that person later causes harm.
Determining where the Silverado driver consumed alcohol and whether she was overserved requires reviewing receipts, surveillance footage, and witness statements. If a bar or restaurant allowed her to leave while visibly impaired, they may bear some responsibility for the injuries caused by this collision. This is a critical step in ensuring all responsible parties are held accountable.
What Evidence Should Be Collected?
In a crash involving alleged impairment, evidence collection is key. The Silverado driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) will likely play a major role in the investigation, as will any receipts or surveillance footage showing where she was before the crash.
The Engine Control Modules (ECMs) from both vehicles could provide information about speed, braking, and other actions leading up to the collision. Additionally, investigators should look for witness statements or surveillance footage from nearby businesses to determine if anything unusual occurred before the crash.
Why a Full Investigation Matters
When serious injuries result from a crash, it’s essential to understand exactly what happened. Knowing whether impairment or other factors caused the Silverado to cross into the teen’s lane helps ensure accountability. In my experience, thorough investigations are the only way to provide clarity and answer the many questions these crashes leave behind.