Pedestrian Injured by Vehicle off US-81 in Wise County, TX
Wise County, TX — May 27, 2022, a 22-year-old pedestrian was seriously injured by a vehicle off U.S. Highway 81 in Wise County.
According to reports the incident happened around 3:25 a.m. on US-81 near mile marker 264. Preliminary investigation suggests a Ford Econoline van was traveling south on the highway's access road as the victim was walking south in the road's southbound travel lane.
Reports say the van driver tried to swerve after seeing the victim in his headlights but was unable to fully avoid her. The van's side mirror struck the back of the victim's head and seriously injured her. The van pulled onto the shoulder a short distance away.
No further information is currently available.
Commentary on Pedestrian Accident on US-81 in Wise County
Police seem to think the pedestrian may have been under the influence of alcohol as she walked along the freeway. They took blood samples for testing, and the results could either prove or discredit their theory. Only time will tell, though if they're right then there may be other considerations about the accident people don't realize.
One issue that too often gets swept under the rug after someone's hurt while drunk is whether the place that provided their alcohol is responsible for their injuries. Texas and many other states have dram shop laws which say a licensed alcohol provider may be liable for any injuries their customers cause or suffer while over-intoxicated.
If a business sold or served the victim drinks after she was obviously intoxicated then they violated the law, plain and simple. Under dram shop law that could mean they're also responsible for the damage she suffered while walking in an inhibited frame of mind along a busy highway in the dark.
Of course, nobody has said any such thing happened in Wise County and I'm not pointing fingers. It's just an important detail to consider and evaluate while learning the circumstances of the wreck. Will authorities give that and other issues proper consideration before they consider the matter resolved?
