What Led to the Fatal I-35W Crash Near the I-20 Interchange in Fort Worth?

Michael GrossmanMarch 25, 2025 2 minutes

A multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 35W in Fort Worth left one person dead and five others injured early Sunday morning. According to police, the initial crash disabled two vehicles. Moments later, a third vehicle crashed into one of the disabled cars. The collision happened around 2:45 a.m. near the I-20 interchange. Authorities arrested one of the drivers, who was taken to the hospital and is expected to face a charge of intoxication manslaughter.

Whenever I hear about a crash where alcohol may have played a role, I think about the responsibility of not just the driver, but also any bar or establishment that may have served them. In Texas, bars can be held liable if they serve alcohol to someone who is obviously intoxicated. In cases like this, those questions become just as important as what happened on the road.

Was the Alleged Drunk Driver Overserved?

The driver suspected of causing the crash was allegedly intoxicated. If he had been drinking at a bar or restaurant before getting behind the wheel, investigators will need to determine whether that establishment served him alcohol when he was already showing obvious signs of impairment. Under Texas dram shop law, a bar that serves an obviously intoxicated person can be held accountable for the resulting harm. Figuring out where he had been drinking and how much alcohol he was served could be a key part of this investigation.

What Types of Evidence Should Be Examined?

To get a clearer picture of what happened and why, investigators should collect surveillance footage from any business the driver may have visited before the crash. Eyewitness statements and receipts could also shed light on how much alcohol was consumed and whether it was obvious the driver shouldn’t have been served.

Why Even Ask These Questions?

While intoxication is suspected, that’s only one piece of the puzzle. A thorough investigation could reveal whether other parties—like a bar or alcohol provider—also played a role. In my experience as a dram shop attorney, these investigations often uncover key facts that weren’t immediately obvious, but are essential to providing answers and accountability for those affected.