Ricardo Veliz Injured in Alleged DWI Accident in Harris County, TX; Angel Santos Charged
Harris County, TX -- December 10, 2022, Ricardo Veliz sustained injuries in an accident which police allege happened due to intoxication.
Investigators did not give specific information surrounding the accident. They said only that a motor vehicle accident occurred which injured Ricardo Veliz. They allege that Veliz's injuries were the result of Angel Olivera Santos "operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated." Santos is said to be facing a charge for intoxication assault. additional details, including Veliz's current condition, remain unclear at this time.
Commentary on Ricardo Veliz Alleged DWI Accident in Harris County
While there is very little information available here, any accusation of intoxicated driving is serious. But that's not simply due to potential consequences for the accused. Many incidents like the one described here end up with a local bar being held accountable for their role in the victim's injuries. But how do they get involved?
Simply put, Texas has what's called dram shop law. It says that an alcohol provider who over-serves an obviously intoxicated person can be liable for damages resulting from that intoxication. Drunk drivers get their day in court, and victims and families are left to pick up the pieces. Why should a business that benefited off of all the chaos simply ride off into the sunset like nothing happened?
Dram shop seeks to address both as a tool to hold negligent businesses accountable and to give families the opportunity to directly confront those businesses for causing them harm. Is that what happened here? I certainly can't say, and whatever lies ahead for the driver allegedly at fault for all of this is for them and the authorities to sort out. I simply wish to express how important it is in these situations to also consider what can be done to help the victims and families.
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