Kyra Richardson Killed in Car Accident on Bush Turnpike in Dallas, TX
Dallas, TX -- May 7, 2022, 23-year-old Kyra Richardson was killed in a car accident on the President George Bush Turnpike in Dallas.
Authorities say the incident happened just after 2:30 a.m. on the PGBT near Midway Road. Preliminary investigation suggests Richardson was driving a Toyota Corolla west on the turnpike when she stopped just past the Midway exit. According to reports she reversed and changed lanes to exit the turnpike; as she merged right the Toyota was hit by a westbound Lexus coupe. The impact caused Richardson's vehicle to hit a nearby guardrail and overturn.
Richardson was pronounced dead at the scene. The Lexus driver, 42-year-old Sergio Gonzalez, suffered serious injuries.
Investigators believed Gonzalez was intoxicated at the time of the crash.
No further information is currently available.
Commentary on Kyra Richardson Accident on Bush Turnpike in Dallas
If investigators confirmed that alcohol consumption was involved here as they suspect, that may mean there are further considerations to this crash--including whether a third party, one often overlooked after such accidents, should face consequences along with the drunk driver.
The law understands that someone can make a mistake while still considering whether anyone else played a role in the damage done. For instance, Texas dram shop law says alcohol providers who over-serve an obviously intoxicated person may be liable for damages he causes or suffers while under the influence.
This law helps injured crash victims and grieving families seek much-needed help after alcohol causes them harm. Moreover, it makes sure bad bars and restaurants face consequences for endangering people with reckless over-service. Not every DWI accident involves a dram violation, but law-breaking businesses should be held accountable for what happens when they liquor up a customer and send them on their way.
So will police trace the alcohol back to its source in case a business broke the law? Probably not. They rarely look for dram shop violations despite how important it is to stop them. It often takes independent investigation to ensure bad bars are held properly accountable and people hurt by them get the help they need and deserve.
[jump]
