William Maples Injured in Car Accident on Camp Bullis Rd in San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, TX -- May 14, 2022, 50-year-old William Maples was injured in a single-vehicle accident on Camp Bullis Road in San Antonio.
Authorities say the incident happened around 10:05 p.m. on Camp Bullis at Old Camp Bullis Road. Preliminary investigation suggests Maples was driving a Hyundai Elantra east on the roadway when he crashed into a concrete barrier blocking traffic. After the impact the barrier skidded to the right shoulder and the Hyundai overturned. The car rolled onto the westbound shoulder.
Maples suffered serious injuries in the crash. Authorities noted finding no evidence he braked before the impact and suspected he was intoxicated at the time. Blood samples were collected for testing.
No further information is currently available.
Commentary on William Maples Accident on Camp Bullis Rd in San Antonio
If test results confirm intoxication was a factor as police suspect, they should find out where the victim drank. Texas and many other states broaden the responsibility for DWI wrecks beyond the drivers to sometimes include the businesses that sold or served them alcohol. If further investigations determine a bar or other vendor over-served the driver prior to the accident, that business may be responsible for his injuries under dram shop law. It may then have to help the victim get back on his feet.
Sometimes people argue that a bar shouldn't be held responsible for giving customers what they want, but the law disagrees. It's clearly dangerous for bars to serve drinks nonstop before turning their over-intoxicated customers loose on the roads. In the course of my career I've seen the devastating effects of that reckless and illegal behavior far too many times, and I can't be alone in wanting it shut down anywhere it pops up.
Dram shop law was created to ensure negligent over-service is met with appropriate consequences. Not every DWI wreck involves a dram violation, but they're more common than many people think and they should be dealt with swiftly if a bar endangers its community. Will the authorities look into the possibility of such a violation here, or would an independent investigation better ensure the victim gets the help he deserves?
[jump]
