A man was arrested for intoxication manslaughter after a crash on I-30 in Fort Worth left another driver dead early Sunday morning. According to reports, two pickup trucks were traveling eastbound near Beach Street when one reportedly rear-ended the other, causing both vehicles to veer off the road and down an embankment. The driver of the struck vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say the man behind the wheel of the other truck allegedly showed signs of intoxication and was arrested following a field sobriety test.
When a fatal crash involves a suspected drunk driver, it’s important to examine not just the driver’s actions, but also where they may have been drinking before getting behind the wheel.
Could a Bar or Restaurant Be Liable for Overservice?
Under Texas law, bars and restaurants can be held accountable if they serve alcohol to someone who is obviously intoxicated and that person goes on to cause injury or death. These dram shop claims are separate from the criminal case and can help uncover whether a business failed in its responsibility to cut someone off. Investigators may need to determine whether the suspect had been drinking at a licensed establishment, and if so, whether employees noticed, or should have noticed, signs of intoxication.
What Evidence Could Help Uncover the Truth?
To determine whether overservice played a role, it’s important to examine credit card receipts, surveillance footage, and witness accounts from any location the suspect visited prior to the crash. In some cases, subpoenaing bar tabs and employee schedules can reveal whether policies were followed. Toxicology results and the timing of alleged alcohol consumption may also provide insight into whether the suspect was already intoxicated when they were last served.
Why Every Detail Deserves Careful Examination
A fatal crash caused by an allegedly impaired driver raises serious questions. While the arrest may provide a sense of progress, it's just one part of the picture. A thorough investigation can identify all parties who may bear responsibility, including any businesses that failed to stop serving an intoxicated patron. In my experience, these additional steps are the only way to ensure those affected have a complete understanding of what happened and why.