Jose Villanueva Killed, 3 Injured in Car Accident in Palestine, TX
Palestine, TX -- July 12, 2022, Jose Villanueva was killed and three people were injured following an accident where two vehicles crashed.
Investigators reported that the crash took place at around 8:52 p.m. at the intersection of Loop 256 and Palestine Avenue.
Authorities said that 31-year-old Jose Villanueva was in a Chevy Silverado at a red light on Loop 256. While there, a Chevy Suburban crashed into Villanueva's vehicle.
Villanueva died as a result of the collision. A passenger in Villanueva's vehicle had incapacitating injuries. The driver of the Suburban and a child in the vehicle had reportedly non-incapacitating injuries.
Police say that the Suburban driver was under the influence of alcohol. No further information can be confirmed at this time.
Commentary on Jose Villanueva Car Accident in Palestine
These are clearly serious allegations, and if they're true, then there will likely be a court date in that driver's future to answer for what happened. But are they the only ones responsible here? Something not a lot of people know about is that alcohol providers can also be on the hook for contributing to deadly wrecks. This is due to dram shop law, and it's crucial victims and families know if there is an accomplice out there responsible for their suffering.
To put it simply, dram shop law says that an alcohol provider who over-serves an obviously intoxicated person can be liable for damages resulting from that intoxication. Bars, restaurants, liquor stores, and even gas stations need to be held accountable when they recklessly serve someone to the point they get people hurt. Otherwise, they can just continue putting lives at risk without facing any consequences.
Despite how common this possible factor is, it's something authorities tend to overlook. For a family grieving the loss of a loved one, that simply isn't good enough. Steps should always be taken to ensure they're getting the full story, and looking into dram shop will likely be an important step in that direction.
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