Abilene, TX — A man was hospitalized after crashing into a sign on South Clack Street in Abilene, Texas, on Tuesday, September 9, 2014. The accident took place in front of the Betty Hardwick Center, a mental health facility.
Police believe that speeding and possibly alcohol led to the accident. Residents at an apartment complex next door heard the accident and came out to assist the driver in getting out of his vehicle. Authorities say that the man was alert when emergency workers arrived on the scene.
The man, whose name has not been released, was taken to Hendrick Medical Center and was released early Wednesday morning. Authorities are investigating the case as if it were a DWI. The man has not yet been charged.
Scene of the Accident
Commentary
Reports say that the accident happened late Tuesday night. It’s completely possible that, if the driver were intoxicated at the time, that he had a few drinks at his home before getting behind the wheel of his vehicle. It’s also possible that he was at a bar. Of course, as the driver of the vehicle, he bears the responsibility of his actions. If we was drinking and chose to drive, he should be punished for that. However, if he were visibly intoxicated and the waiter or bartender or whoever was still serving him, then sent him merrily on his way, they would also be complicit in the accident. If others had been injured in the accident — and thankfully no one was — they could also be held partially liable. None of this is meant to take responsibility away from the driver. Again, he was the one who made the decision. But if a bar was serving someone who by all rights should have been cut off, and then that person went out and injured himself, then they should also be held responsible.
— Grossman Law Offices
