A mother and her 9-year-old son were killed, and two other family members were critically injured in a wrong-way crash early Monday morning on the North Freeway near downtown Houston. Police say the crash occurred just after 12:45 a.m., when a red Ford F-150 was caught on traffic cameras driving the wrong direction on I-45. The truck collided head-on with a Mitsubishi Outlander carrying a family of four. The mother and son were pronounced dead at the scene, while the father and a second child remain hospitalized in critical condition. The driver of the Ford pickup was also seriously injured and remains in police custody pending toxicology results. A third vehicle, a Nissan Rogue, was also involved in the incident, but the occupants are expected to recover.
When a crash involves possible intoxication and results in multiple fatalities and critical injuries, it’s important to consider all contributing factors. A thorough investigation can help determine what led to the wrong-way driving and whether other parties may share responsibility.
Could a Bar or Restaurant Be Liable?
Authorities have stated that the wrong-way driver is suspected of impairment. Under Texas dram shop law, a bar or alcohol-serving business may be liable if they served alcohol to someone who was obviously intoxicated. One key question is whether the driver had recently visited a bar or restaurant, and if so, whether staff ignored visible signs of impairment. Investigators will need to examine that possibility.
What Evidence Needs to Be Reviewed?
To fully understand what happened, investigators should obtain receipts, surveillance footage, and witness statements from any establishments the driver may have visited prior to the crash. Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test results will also be key. These details can help determine whether the driver was served alcohol while clearly impaired—and whether the business that served them may have ignored warning signs.
Why It’s Important to Ask Questions
While the driver of the pickup is being held under suspicion of intoxicated driving, it doesn’t answer every question. In past dram shop cases, I’ve found that in-depth investigations can reveal key facts about where the driver came from, how they obtained alcohol, and whether others contributed to the crash. Understanding those factors is essential to getting a complete picture of what happened and providing answers to those affected by the incident.