Waco, TX — Police have identified the two people killed in a rollover accident on Interstate 35 early in the morning on Monday, September 15, 2014. The victims names are Lamont Franklin and Rita Munoz.
The two were driving in the northbound lanes of Interstate 35 through Waco, Texas, when their car left the roadway. The driver over-corrected and the car flipped over several times before coming to a stop. Neither Franklin and Munoz were not wearing their seat belts and were ejected from the vehicle. Authorities pronounced them dead at the scene.
Troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety are currently investigating the accident. A spokesperson said they’re still trying to figure out what caused the car to leave the roadway.
Scene of the Accident
Commentary
News reports say that the accident took place around 2:30 in the morning. What does that mean? Well, on its face, nothing. It’s completely possible that the car swerved off the road because the driver looked down at their phone at the wrong moment. But given the time of day, I think it’s at least worth asking if maybe alcohol was involved.
If the two victims were out drinking before the accident occurred, there are a few things we should be asking. Where were they drinking, and how intoxicated were they? A bar would have a legal obligation to stop serving anyone after they’ve become obviously intoxicated. This is a law that is often overlooked, unfortunately. Of course, everyone is responsible for their own actions. If someone is intoxicated and then gets behind the wheel of a car, that’s a decision they’ve made. However, alcohol can affect the decision-making areas of the brain, and so if that same person gets behind the wheel of a vehicle and then gets into a wreck because of all the alcohol they’ve just been served, the bar is partially liable for the accident. Obviously, this doesn’t take any responsibility away from the driver. But if the bar played a role in things they should also be held liable.
— Grossman Law Offices
This is very tragic.
I found out she may have been at AD’s bar somewhere on 18th St in Waco.
We also believe there’s more to the story then what’s being said. No ones seems to know exactly who this Lamont Franklin is except that he was homeless and his last known address was a half way house in Gholson. The family feels this man may have been an attacker. Rita never drove on I-35 ever, she only drove back roads.
I feel there needs to be a more thorough investigation done. TABC definitely needs to be contacted. This specific bar IS known for over serving!
Thank you for reading what I have to say! May God Bless you!