An 81-year-old woman lost her life and multiple others were injured on Sunday in a three-vehicle crash on the Southeast Side of San Antonio. According to police, the collision occurred when an allegedly speeding driver on the frontage road of Southeast Loop 410 struck a vehicle stopped at a red light, causing it to crash into another vehicle.
The driver, who authorities allege was intoxicated at the time, faces charges of intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault.
Whenever I hear about crashes like this involving an allegedly intoxicated driver, I can’t help but wonder about the events leading up to the collision. In similar situations, I immediately think about whether a bar or restaurant overserved the driver.
Could a Bar or Restaurant Be Held Accountable?
Under Texas dram shop law, bars and restaurants can be held liable for overserving alcohol to someone who is obviously intoxicated if that person later causes harm to others. In cases like this, it’s important to investigate whether the alleged drunk driver had been served at a bar, restaurant, or other establishment before the crash.
Collecting receipts, surveillance footage, and witness statements from any places the suspect visited could help determine whether they were served while showing visible signs of intoxication. If so, the establishment may share responsibility for the crash.
The Importance of Investigating Dram Shop Claims
Investigations into crashes involving intoxicated drivers shouldn’t stop at the driver alone. Looking into the driver’s actions before the crash can uncover other parties who may have contributed. This is particularly important in Texas, where dram shop law is designed to hold establishments accountable for serving patrons who pose a danger to others.
Why Asking These Questions Matters
For those affected by this crash, finding out what happened is essential. Determining whether the driver was overserved and whether a bar or restaurant played a role could be an important step toward accountability. In my experience, these types of investigations often reveal factors that aren’t immediately obvious but are critical for those impacted by the crash to get the full picture of what happened.