A crash on FM 2812 early Sunday morning left one woman dead and three others injured. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the crash occurred at approximately 3:38 a.m. when a 2012 Honda Accord, traveling the wrong way in the eastbound lanes, collided with a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe near Vista Bonita Drive.
DPS identified the passenger in the Honda as 28-year-old Itzel Limas, who later died at the hospital. Both occupants of the Hyundai sustained non-incapacitating injuries, while the driver of the Honda and Limas were hospitalized with more severe injuries prior to her passing.
DPS confirmed that alcohol was allegedly a factor in the crash. For me, this raises questions about whether an alcohol provider contributed to this accident.
Could a Bar or Alcohol Provider Share Responsibility?
Texas law holds alcohol-serving establishments accountable if they overserve someone who is obviously intoxicated and that person later causes harm. In this case, determining whether the driver of the Honda allegedly consumed alcohol at a bar, restaurant, or other venue is a critical step.
Investigators should look into the driver’s actions prior to the crash by reviewing receipts, surveillance footage, and witness statements from any establishments the driver may have visited. If a bar or alcohol provider violated dram shop laws by serving alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated, they may share responsibility for the harm caused in this crash.
What Evidence Should Be Collected?
To establish whether an alcohol provider contributed to the crash, investigators need to gather a variety of evidence. This includes identifying where the driver consumed alcohol and securing any related receipts or surveillance footage.
Additionally, toxicology reports can help confirm the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of the crash, providing further context about the extent of impairment. These pieces of evidence are essential for determining accountability.
Why These Questions Matter
Crashes involving wrong-way drivers often leave victims and their families with significant injuries, unanswered questions, and lasting impacts. In my experience, thorough investigations should reveal factors beyond the actions of the driver alone. Uncovering whether an alcohol provider, if any, is essential for ensuring accountability and helping those affected get the answers they need.