Brookings, Oregon Man Injured in Car Accident on US 190 in Polk County, TX
Polk County, TX -- June 12, 2022, an Oregon man was injured following an accident where his vehicle crashed along US 190.
Investigators reported that the crash took place just before 3:00 a.m. along US 190 in the area of FM 350.
Reports said that a 21-year-old Brookings, Oregon man was in a Honda Civic traveling westbound on the highway. The man may have fallen asleep, causing the vehicle to crashed into a pickup and trailer along the shoulder.
The Oregon man reportedly had incapacitating injuries due to the crash. Police suggested fatigue and alcohol were possible factors, but this cannot be confirmed at this time.
Commentary on Car Accident on US 190 in Polk County
For someone from out of state, it can be helpful to have some insight on why a crash like this may work differently in Texas than the state they're from. If it's true that alcohol was a factor here, for example, it's possible any business that served that alcohol could actually be liable for the resulting injuries.
In Texas, dram shop law says that an alcohol provider who over-serves an obviously intoxicated person can be liable for damages resulting from that intoxication. While that may sound unusual, it's simply a tool that works to ensure negligent businesses are held accountable for their recklessness. Getting help to the victims and families involved only makes it that much more crucial to consider.
With that said, it's still only one possibility here. This crash could involve anything from medical issues to road hazards to mechanical defects. I don't simply take early reports at face value. I make sure independent investigations uncover the facts so they can speak for themselves. It remains to be seen if this incident was treated with the same prudence.
[jump]
