A 22-year-old man was killed Saturday evening in a crash on I-20 in Arlington. According to police, the victim was sitting in a Mitsubishi 3000 GT that was stopped on the shoulder near Bowen Road when a Ford F-150 veered off the highway and crashed into the back of the car. The impact forced the Mitsubishi into a concrete barrier and caused it to catch fire. Witnesses reported seeing three men flee from the pickup immediately after the crash. All were later apprehended, and the alleged driver was arrested on suspicion of intoxication manslaughter.
Whenever I hear about a crash like this, where alcohol is believed to be involved, I think about where the driver had been drinking before the wreck. In Texas, bars and restaurants can be held liable under dram shop law if they serve alcohol to someone who is obviously intoxicated. In a case like this, it’s not just about what happened on the road—it’s also about what happened before the driver ever got behind the wheel.
Were Alcohol Providers Also Responsible?
If the pickup driver had been drinking at a bar or other business prior to the crash, one of the most important questions is whether staff at that location continued to serve him after he showed obvious signs of intoxication. If that happened here, the bar may share legal responsibility for what occurred.
What Kinds of Evidence Should Be Reviewed?
A thorough investigation should include interviews with witnesses who may have seen the suspects drinking before the crash, along with receipts, surveillance video, and cell phone data that could reveal where they were and what was consumed. In my experience, these investigations often reveal that the drunk driver wasn’t the only factor—sometimes those who served them play a key role in what happened.
The Importance of a Thorough Investigation
Even though an arrest has been made, there are still many questions that need to be answered. A comprehensive investigation can uncover whether a bar or restaurant contributed to the driver’s condition. In my experience handling dram shop cases, the details uncovered during these investigations help those affected understand what led to the crash and why.