17-year-old Killed in Alleged Intoxicated Driver Accident on Georgia Avenue in Deer Park, TX
UPDATE (November 20, 2023): It appears the teenager injured in the accident has since passed away due to her injuries. The allegedly intoxicated driver identified in the news is apparently facing murder charges.
I'm not surprised to see such serious charges following the allegations I've seen levied at this suspect driver. No doubt officials in Harris County continue work to see the allegedly drunk driver answer for his role in this tragedy. What I have yet to see, however, is if authorities are investigating any outside parties who may have also contributed to this young girl's death.
Out of all the jurisdictions I've worked in to pursue wrongful death claims against alcohol providers, Harris County is usually the most thorough in charging not only drunk drivers but also the bartenders and store clerks at the businesses my firm is simultaneously investigating. Perhaps them not mentioning any such investigation here is simply because they're focused on getting answers behind the scenes before making any public statements. Otherwise, I've seen my fair share of departments let something slip through the cracks and only take steps to file charges after our investigations brought the negligent alcohol providers to their attention.
Either way, the end result here should be that the victim's loved ones know the whole story and see all parties responsible for their loss held appropriately accountable. Authorities seem to be working toward achieving at least part of that ideal conclusion.
Deer Park, TX — November 14, 2023, a 17-year-old was critically injured due to an alleged intoxicated driver accident at around 3:30 p.m. on Georgia Avenue.
Authorities said in their statements that the accident happened off the corner of Georgia Avenue and Wildwood Drive.
According to police officials, a 17-year-old girl was walking off the side of the road at the time when it appears a pickup ran off-road and hit a pole. This caused the pole to hit the girl, causing critical injuries. Reports at this time indicate the victim is in critical condition and on life support.
Authorities allege that the driver of the pickup was intoxicated at the time. There appear to be pending charges for intoxication assault. No further information is available as investigations are ongoing.
It's awful to see anyone—a child, no less—fall victim to events they couldn't have possibly foreseen. But what is entirely foreseeable is that getting behind the wheel while intoxicated can absolutely harm people. If the allegations here are true, my hope is the authorities in Harris County take every appropriate step to ensure there is accountability for this terrible event.
