Fritch, TX — Police say that alcohol is a possible cause of an accident that took place outside of Fritch, Texas, last Saturday. The accident occurred on Highway 136, just south of the town.
Gabriel Chavez was the driver of a Chevrolet Blazer that crossed lanes and struck a Dodge Caravan traveling in the opposite direction. The collision sent the Caravan off-road and into a tree. The driver, Edgar Valazquez-Lopez, was taken to a Borger hospital and pronounced dead.
Chavez was taken to a hospital in Amarillo. At last report, he was listed in serious condition. Three passengers in the Caravan are also listed in serious condition, and are being treated in Amarillo.
Scene of the Accident
Commentary
If the authorities’ investigation reveals that the driver of the Blazer was indeed intoxicated and that that caused the accident, then of course he should be held liable for the damage he’s caused. It’s possible that he was served alcohol at a bar or similar establishment before the accident, and if he was being served alcohol while visibly intoxicated, then the bar would be held partially liable. That’s a part of Texas’ dram shop laws, which were put into place to make sure that alcohol in the state was being sold in a safe and responsible manner. It’s unfortunate that not more states in the country have laws like this, because they’ve genuinely done a lot to combat this country’s drunk driving problem.
— Grossman Law Offices
