Matthew Baycroft Injured in Auto Accident on US-380 in Hunt County, TX
Hunt County, TX -- December 19, 2021, 51-year-old Matthew Baycroft was seriously injured in a traffic accident on U.S. Highway 380 in Hunt County.
Authorities say the incident happened around 8:00 p.m. on US-380 near County Road 2146. Preliminary investigation suggests Baycroft was driving a Ford F-Series pickup east on the highway when he approached a Chevrolet C1500 pickup and an International tow truck, both unoccupied on the shoulder. The tow truck was reportedly in the process of loading the Chevy pickup onto its flatbed.
Reports indicate Baycroft was intoxicated and drifted onto the shoulder, then crashed into the rear of the Chevy pickup. The impact pushed the Chevy up the tow truck's bed and then off its right side. The Ford ran upward behind the Chevy and the two came to rest hanging off opposite sides of the tow truck's bed.
Baycroft suffered serious injuries in the crash. Per their suspicion he was intoxicated, investigators collected blood samples for testing.
No further information is available at this time.
Commentary on Matthew Baycroft Accident on US-380 in Hunt County
Whatever police say an individual did or didn't do isn't my place to comment on. What I aim to do on this blog is use real-world examples like this to illuminate some lesser-known or complex areas of Texas law. For example, police allege that the victim here crashed because he was intoxicated. What that means for him in terms of charges is between him and the courts, but what he and other folks may not know is there could be a way to get him some much-needed help with his recovery.
Whenever alcohol contributes to a crash, investigators need to look into where the drinks came from. Why? Because Texas dram shop law says that an alcohol provider who over-serves an obviously intoxicated person may be liable for any injuries he causes or suffers while under the influence. Whether it's a bar, restaurant, liquor store, or even a gas station, getting those businesses to take responsibility for the damage their actions contributed to helps to hold them accountable when they act negligently. The fact that dram shop can do this all while getting folks the help they need only makes it more important to learn about.
Again, I can't say what exactly happened here. As investigators work that out it's important to avoid jumping to conclusions and to focus instead on what can be done for the people affected by the crash. The incident in Hunt County appears to be no exception to that.
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