UPDATE: Byron Hunger has since been indicted on charges of Intoxicated Manslaughter in connection with the accident.
WINNSBORO, TX — One man was killed in a road accident that happened in Winnsboro, Texas on Sunday, August 24th, 2014, according to the news release from KLTV.
Authorities believe that Howard Johnson was killed when he was backed over by a vehicle that was leaving a party in the 700 block of Carver Street early Sunday morning.
Investigators say that Howard Johnson was pronounced dead on the scene when emergency responders arrived. The driver of the offending vehicle was identified in the report as Byron Hunter, who currently faces charges of intoxication manslaughter in connection with the accident.
The Texas State Police is assisting with the accident investigation at this time.
Scene of the Accident
Commentary:
The fact that the news reports suggest that the offending driver had left a party before the accident raises a number of interesting questions. Many people are surprised to learn of Texas’ liquor liability laws. In the State of Texas, licensed alcohol sellers and in some cases, social hosts can be held liable for accidents that are caused when customers or guests cause an accident caused by over-service of alcohol. However, considering that the vast majority of social hosts have not been certified by the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission, proving negligence in a social host situation can be difficult at best. If the hosts of this party over-served the offending driver, and somehow enabled them to drive, they can be held liable for any accident that happens, depending on how the facts line up.
–Grossman Law Offices
