A wrong-way crash on Boat Club Road in Fort Worth left one person dead and two others hospitalized early Sunday morning. According to police, the collision happened around 12:14 a.m. when a Dodge Ram allegedly traveling the wrong way struck a Ford Expedition head-on. The driver of the Expedition was pronounced dead at the scene. Two passengers in the SUV were transported to the hospital and required surgery. The Dodge driver was also hospitalized and is under investigation for intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault.
When I review a case like this, I think about more than just the driver who allegedly caused the crash. If alcohol played a role, investigators also need to determine where that alcohol was obtained and whether any businesses served him unlawfully.
Could a Bar or Restaurant Have Contributed?
Under Texas law, establishments can be held accountable if they serve alcohol to someone who is obviously intoxicated and that person later causes a crash. In situations like this, investigators often work to retrace the driver’s steps in the hours leading up to the collision. Credit card records, receipts, surveillance video, and witness testimony may help identify whether the driver was drinking at a bar or restaurant before getting behind the wheel.
What Evidence Will Be Important?
Toxicology reports will establish the driver’s blood alcohol concentration and confirm whether impairment was a factor. Investigators will also look for evidence of where the driver had been drinking. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, along with testimony from bartenders or servers, could be crucial. If receipts or digital records exist, they may provide a timeline of how much alcohol was consumed and where.
Why a Full Investigation Matters
In a fatal crash involving suspected intoxication, a complete investigation goes beyond the driver’s conduct. If a bar or restaurant contributed by overserving, that business may share responsibility. Getting those answers helps ensure accountability and provides answers for everyone affected by the crash.