Dominic Rodriguez, Jorge Ponce Mata Injured in Bastrop County Wrong-Way Crash on TX-95
Bastrop County, TX — July 25, 2022, 41-year-old Dominic Rodriguez and 27-year-old Jorge Ponce Mata were injured in a Bastrop County wrong-way crash.
According to reports the incident happened around 3:40 a.m. on State Highway 95 near Hickory Drive. Preliminary investigation suggests Ponce Mata was driving a Ford F-150 pickup south on the highway when he allegedly crossed over the center line into the northbound lane. After crossing over the Ford crashed with Rodriguez's oncoming Jeep Compass. The two spun away from the point of impact.
Rodriguez and Ponce Mata both suffered serious injuries in the crash. Investigators noted finding several beer bottles in the Ford, and at the hospital Ponce Mata allegedly admitted to drinking four beers prior to driving. Blood samples were collected for testing.
No further information is currently available.
Commentary on Dominic Rodriguez, Jorge Ponce Mata Crash in Bastrop County
If blood tests confirm that the driver was impaired (as his alleged confession would suggest), that may mean he'll face some legal consequences for his poor choices that night. However, before anyone decides that's the end of the matter there may be other things to consider.
For instance, a local bar or other alcohol vendor might have illegally over-served the victim before the wrong-way crash. If so, that business might be liable for the injuries he and the other victim suffered under dram shop law. It would then have a duty to help both men get back on their feet.
Getting people the help they need and deserve is one reason of many why comprehensive investigations are so important. It's also one of the most critical aspects of civil law, which understands that someone can make a mistake and still consider whether anyone else should be held accountable as well for the damage done.
I can't say exactly what role alcohol played in this wreck, but since the driver reportedly admitted to drinking it seems like a good idea to find out where and how much. Unfortunately, police aren't always thorough enough to get those details. If an accident like this isn't followed up on by experienced independent investigators, there's no telling if the whole truth will be uncovered or if the victims will get the help they deserve.
