Matthew Cantu Injured in Car Accident on Ben Jordan St in Victoria, TX
Victoria, TX -- December 27, 2021, 33-year-old Matthew Cantu was seriously injured in a traffic accident on Ben Jordan Street in Victoria.
Authorities say the incident happened around 9:35 a.m. on Ben Jordan near Wildwood Street. Preliminary investigation suggests Cantu was driving a Dodge Ram 1500 pickup north on the roadway in the inside lane. Nearby, a Ford Fusion was traveling in the inside southbound lane followed at some distance by a Ford F-150 pickup.
Reports indicate Cantu, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, failed to drive in a single lane and swerved left of center. The Dodge truck then collided with the Ford Fusion in the southbound lane. The Dodge then went airborne and while landing it crashed into the Ford pickup's passenger side. It then overturned onto its roof.
Cantu suffered serious injuries in the crash. No other injuries were reported.
Police collected blood samples from Cantu to test for intoxication.
No further information is currently available.
Commentary on Matthew Cantu Accident on Ben Jordan St in Victoria
Investigators seem to think the suspect in this crash was intoxicated at the time. Given the way the accident occurred that seems reasonable, but obviously like any theory it needs clear evidence before it could be considered a fact. That's why police took samples for testing, and depending the results the injured suspect may face some criminal penalties for his choices that night.
Some may think that combined with his injuries essentially handles the "consequences" portion of the crash's aftermath, but that obviously won't help him recover from his injuries. However, he may have some available avenues to get some much-needed help. Anyone affected by an alcohol-related crash, including the DWI drivers themselves, should know about dram shop law.
Dram shop law basically says that a licensed alcohol vendor who over-serves an obviously intoxicated person may be liable for damages resulting from that intoxication. In other words bars, restaurants, liquor stores, and other businesses can often be held legally accountable when they over-serve customers who then cause accidents like the one in Victoria.
Not only does dram shop law help people hurt in DWI crashes get back on their feet, it's also a way to punish negligent alcohol providers and keep them from putting communities in danger. Despite that, police don't always have the time or resources to chase down the bad bars behind such accidents. People hurt in wrecks like this are often better served by working with independent investigators if they want to hold a negligent business responsible for the part it played.
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