Hunter Wilburn Injured in Auto Accident on I-10 in Jefferson County, TX
Jefferson County, TX -- May 5, 2022, 22-year-old Hunter Wilburn was seriously injured in a traffic accident on Interstate 10 in Jefferson County.
Authorities say the incident happened around 11:30 p.m. on I-10 near mile marker 844. Preliminary investigation suggests Wilburn was driving a Nissan Pathfinder east in the right lane of the interstate when he approached an unoccupied Chevrolet Spark parked on the road with its hazard lights on. According to reports the Chevy had run out of gas and the road had no shoulders to stop on, lined on both sides by concrete barriers.
Wilburn approached the stopped Chevy but failed to control his speed and rear-ended it. After the impact the Nissan hit the nearby barrier.
Wilburn suffered serious injuries in the crash. Investigators noted he showed signs of intoxication and collected blood specimens for testing.
No further information is currently available.
Commentary on Hunter Wilburn Accident in Jefferson County
Police seem to think alcohol was a factor here. They're not always right about that, but blood tests should clarify whether or not it was involved. Even if it was, though, things may be a little more complicated than people think. For one thing, it would be important to find out where the drinks came from.
Texas dram shop laws look beyond the drivers and considers whether the businesses that sold them their drinks have a share of the responsibility for the damage done. Those laws are designed to hold alcohol providers accountable for over-service, meaning times where they sell or serve alcohol to obviously intoxicated customers. If they do that illegally, they may be liable for any injuries those customers go on to cause or suffer while impaired.
Not every DWI accident involves a dram shop violation, but it's worth knowing for sure one way or the other any time alcohol consumption may be a direct factor in an accident. A business willing to illegally over-serve its customers and endanger its community should be confronted and taught a harsh lesson. So will the authorities learn where the drinks were consumed, or should someone else step in to help the victim get the help he deserves?
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