One Injured in Crossover Truck Accident on TX-153 in Coleman County
Coleman County, TX — July 7, 2022, a 70-year-old man was injured in a crossover crash with an 18-wheeler on State Highway 153 in Coleman County.
According to reports the incident happened around 11:30 p.m. on TX-153 near County Road 428. Preliminary investigation suggests the victim was driving a GMC Sierra pickup northwest on the highway as a Volvo semi-truck with a trailer was headed southeast.
The pickup driver reportedly straightened a left-hand curve in the road and traveled into the oncoming lane. The Volvo driver swerved to avoid a head-on crash but the GMC hit it at an angle. After the impact the 18-wheeler ran off the road and crashed through a fence, then came to rest in a field beyond it.
The GMC driver suffered serious injuries in the collision. Investigators believed he was intoxicated and blood samples were collected at the hospital for testing.
No further information is currently available.
Commentary on Truck Accident on TX-153 in Coleman County
Police suspect the injured man was impaired at the time of the wreck. If blood tests confirm that some might feel there's not much else to say about it aside from maybe charging him accordingly, but they may not realize there are other aspects of DWI accidents to investigate. For instance, police should also find out where and how the victim drank that night. But do those matter?
Texas and many other states broaden the responsibility for DWI wrecks beyond the drivers to sometimes include the businesses that sold or served them drinks. If further investigations find a licensed alcohol vendor provided more alcohol to the victim when he was obviously intoxicated, that business may be responsible for his injuries under dram shop law. It would then be legally obligated to help him get back on his feet.
Dram shop law was created to ensure negligent over-service is met with appropriate consequences. Not every DWI wreck starts with a dram violation, but they're more common than people think and they should be dealt with swiftly in case a business is endangering its community. Will police look into a possible dram violation here, or would an independent investigation better ensure the victim gets the help he deserves?
