Two Seriously Injured in Suspected DWI Accident near I-10 in Fayette County, TX
Fayette County, TX — September 11, 2022, two drivers were seriously injured in a suspected DWI collision near Interstate 10 in Fayette County.
Authorities say the incident happened around 2:40 a.m. by I-10 at State Highway 95. Preliminary investigation suggests a Ford F-250 pickup was driving the wrong direction on a one-way local road while allegedly trying to evade law enforcement for unspecified reasons. Investigators said the driver tried to steer hard to the left when he reached the SH 95 intersection and the pickup overturned, then rolled multiple times until it hit a marked Flatonia PD patrol vehicle on a nearby I-10 on-ramp.
The officer in the patrol unit and the Ford driver both received serious injuries in the crash. Police believed the runaway driver was intoxicated and subpoenaed his treatment records from the hospital.
No further information is available at this time.
Commentary on Alleged DWI Crash near I-10 in Fayette County
I can't speak one way or the other to the allegations that the suspect was fleeing police. Whatever happened that may have sent authorities after him that night is between him and the state. However, when I see that police think he was intoxicated when he crashed there may be more to the story than it seems.
People aren't always aware that alcohol-related crashes may have more than one responsible party. Folks quickly heap all the blame on a drunk driver, and they're right that DWI is a reckless and highly dangerous thing to do. Consequences should certainly follow, but the driver may not be the only one to hold accountable. That's why it's important to know about Texas dram shop law.
Under dram shop law, licensed alcohol vendors like bars and restaurants are required to cut customers off if they're obviously intoxicated. Continuing to serve them alcohol after that is illegal, yet many businesses prioritize a few more bucks over public safety and keep serving up drinks. When that happens and their over-intoxicated customers hurt themselves or others, dram shop may hold that business accountable for the part it played in the damage done.
Not every instance of drunk driving starts with a bar illegally refilling a customer's glass, but the source of the drinks is an important detail to clarify during the investigation. Unfortunately police rarely look into that and too many businesses get away with illegal over-service. That behavior must be nipped in the bud; if two injured men can get some much-needed help in the process, that's all the more reason to take the necessary action.
