• March 10, 2017

Joseph Marricle Killed, Two Hurt in Suspected Drunk Driving Accident in Amarillo, TX

Amarillo, TX -- A suspected alcohol related crash in the area of Amarillo, TX left 40-year-old Joseph Marricle dead, and injured two Friday, March 9, 2017.

The incident took place near SW 6th Avenue and S. Adams Street.

According to the report, a Mitsubishi Mirage was headed east on 6th Avenue when it collided with a Dodge Dakota traveling north on S Adams. It is alleged one of the vehicles ran a red light at the intersection.

40-year-old Joseph Marricle, a passenger in the front seat of the Mitsubishi, was killed in the incident.

Both drivers sustained non-life threatening injuries.

The exact cause of the incident is unclear, but police say they believe alcohol was a factor. Both drivers were booked on charges of intoxication manslaughter.

The official investigation into the incident is currently underway.

Commentary

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, as of 2014, there were 3,309 road fatalities in the state of Texas. Of those 3,309 fatalities, 1,089 were due to intoxicated drivers. Is there a more visceral reminder that Texas has a serious problem with drunk drivers than the fact that both drivers in this accident are suspected of being drunk?

Recognizing the magnitude of drunk driving accidents, the Texas Legislature adopted a law in an attempt to curtail the problem. This statute, known as dram shop law, states that bars that overs-serve alcohol to obviously intoxicated patrons may be found liable for the damages caused as a result of that person's intoxication.

While some in the general public view this law as an opportunity for drunk drivers to shift blame, the real purpose is to allow victims and their families the to seek retribution for the harm caused by bars irresponsibly over-serving their customers.

While this isn't the only tool available to us to curb the issue of drunk driving, it is proven to be one of the most effective. The fact is bars, like all other businesses, exist primarily to make a profit. If bars come to the realization that over-service may cost them a huge financial penalty, they may think twice before pouring that next shot.

--Grossman Law Offices

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