A head-on collision on Monday evening in Galveston left one person dead and several others injured. According to Galveston police, the crash occurred at 29th Street and Harborside Drive when a black BMW allegedly crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with a Toyota Tacoma carrying five passengers.
Emergency Medical Services confirmed that one occupant of the Tacoma died at the scene, while four others were hospitalized with injuries. The BMW driver, who was also hospitalized, was later arrested and charged with intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault.
In crashes involving an allegedly intoxicated driver, it’s important to investigate whether an alcohol provider may share responsibility under Texas dram shop law.
Was the Driver Overserved Alcohol?
Texas dram shop law holds alcohol-serving establishments accountable if they serve someone who is obviously intoxicated and then causes harm to others. Investigators should determine whether the driver of the BMW allegedly consumed alcohol at a bar, restaurant, or other venue before the crash.
Receipts, surveillance footage, and witness statements from the establishment can help identify whether she was served despite showing clear signs of intoxication. If so, the alcohol provider may share liability for this collision.
What Evidence Should Be Collected?
Establishing liability requires detailed evidence. Investigators should trace Cisneros’ actions leading up to the crash to identify where she consumed alcohol. Receipts or credit card records, surveillance footage, and witness testimony from employees or patrons could be crucial in showing whether she was overserved.
Toxicology reports can also provide a clearer picture of her level of impairment at the time of the crash. This evidence is essential for determining whether an alcohol provider violated their legal responsibilities.
Why These Questions Matter
This collision caused a fatality and left others with serious injuries, so understanding whether an alcohol-serving business contributed to this crash is critical for ensuring accountability.
In my experience, crashes involving intoxicated drivers often reveal preventable mistakes made by those who served alcohol irresponsibly. Answering these questions helps bring clarity to those affected by the crash.