A wrong-way crash on I-45 in Houston early Thursday morning left one person dead and another facing intoxication manslaughter charges. According to police, a 32-year-old was allegedly driving a pickup truck in the wrong direction when she crashed into a Jeep Cherokee and a Toyota Camry. The driver of the Jeep, 56-year-old Steve Nartey, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Whenever I hear about crashes like this involving an allegedly intoxicated driver, I can’t help but wonder what led 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, alcohol-serving establishments can be held responsible if they serve alcohol to someone who is obviously intoxicated and that person later causes harm.
Investigating whether the allegedly intoxicated driver had been drinking at a bar or restaurant before the crash is an important step in understanding all the factors that contributed to this incident. If they were served while already impaired, that business may share responsibility for what happened.
What Evidence Should Be Examined?
To determine whether a bar or restaurant contributed to this crash, investigators should gather key evidence that can provide insight into the driver’s actions before the collision. Surveillance footage from any establishments may have visited could reveal whether they showed signs of visible intoxication while being served. Receipts and transaction records may indicate how much alcohol was purchased and when.
Additionally, witness statements from bartenders, servers, or other patrons could be crucial in confirming whether the driver was overserved despite clear signs of impairment. Police reports and toxicology results will also play a role in establishing her level of intoxication at the time of the crash.
Why Investigating Dram Shop Liability Matters
When a crash involves an allegedly intoxicated driver, the investigation shouldn’t stop with the driver alone. Looking into where and how they obtained alcohol is crucial for holding all responsible parties accountable.
In my experience, these investigations often reveal preventable factors that might not be obvious at first. Getting the full picture of what happened helps provide answers to those affected.