Rider Injured in Motorcycle Accident on Water Street in Burnet, TX
Burnet, TX -- December 5, 2021, a 39-year-old man was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident on Water Street in Burnet County.
Authorities say the incident happened around 2:40 p.m. on Water Street (US-281) near Seventh Street. Preliminary investigation suggests the victim was riding a Suzuki motorcycle west on Seventh when he turned southward on Water Street. Reports say he he over-accelerated while turning and lost control. The bike overturned and rolled end-over-end before coming to a stop in the center turn lane of the roadway.
The rider was ejected from the bike and suffered serious injuries. Investigators noted smelling alcohol on his person at the scene.
No further information is available at this time.
Commentary on Motorcycle Accident on Water St in Burnet
Police say they smelled alcohol coming off the victim, though even if that's true it doesn't necessarily mean impairment was a factor here. The last thing anyone should do is jump to conclusions until more facts are in. However, if evidence later confirmed the rider was intoxicated there could be further considerations to this crash.
Most everyone understands drunk drivers' part in serious accidents, but fewer people think about the role played by whoever provided their alcohol. In Texas it's illegal for a licensed alcohol vendor like a bar or club to sell or serve drinks to an obviously intoxicated customer. If they can tell someone has had enough and keep pouring anyway, they may then be legally responsible for any injuries that customer causes or suffers while under the influence. That's a matter of dram shop law, an important but relatively-unknown part of Texas law. Not only does it ensure a negligent business faces consequences, it also helps get folks some much needed assistance while they try to get back on their feet.
With that said, not every DWI accident involves a dram shop violation. Even if the victim was impaired--which I'd repeat doesn't seem to be confirmed in reports--that doesn't mean a business over-served him. Those are just some of the details that must be addressed while trying to fully understand what happened. If a local alcohol vendor had a hand in the damage done, it should be held properly accountable.
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