2 Children Injured in Car Accident on Highway 123 in Guadalupe County, TX
Guadalupe County, TX — August 11, 2022, two boys ages 4 and 5 were seriously injured in a car accident on State Highway 123 in Guadalupe County.
Authorities say the incident happened around 2:50 p.m. on Highway 123 near Farm to Market Road 477. Preliminary investigation suggests a Chevrolet Cobalt was headed south on the highway in a construction area, where multiple signs warned drivers to slow down.
According to reports a Toyota coupe approached behind the Cobalt and rear-ended it in the construction zone. The Toyota then drove into the west bar ditch and crashed into a piece of grading equipment near the construction workers.
Two young children in the Toyota received serious injuries in the collision; the driver received minor injuries. The Chevy's occupants were unhurt.
Investigators suspected the Toyota driver of being intoxicated and collected samples for testing.
No further information is available at this time.
Commentary on Guadalupe County Car Accident on SH 123
Police seem to think one of the drivers in this crash was under the influence of alcohol. I can't speak to that suspicion one way or the other, but if blood tests confirm their suspicions there may be more to do than simply charge him and move on. For one thing, he may not be the only one who should face consequences for the damage done to those children. That would depend on where and how he drank that day.
Texas dram shop law says that licensed alcohol vendors (bars, clubs, restaurants, stores, etc) may not sell or serve drinks to an obviously intoxicated customer. If they over-serve someone and that customer then hurts themselves or other people while drunk, dram shop may hold that business liable for the damage done. In that event it would be expected to make amends to the people hurt by its reckless actions.
To be clear, alcohol is only a suspected factor at this point, not a proven one. I mention dram shop law because an alcohol provider's contribution to a DWI is too often overlooked even though the law is clear that it shouldn't be. However, other possible explanations--brake failures, bad roads, medical emergencies, and many others--must also be considered to ensure the true story is found. Only a full and careful investigation can both uncover the facts needed to help the people hurt by this accident.
