At approximately 2:55 a.m., a Dallas police officer drove up on a crash that happened earlier that morning in the 2600 block of Elm Grove at Whitely in Dallas County. Officers found a black Chevy Silverado in the ditch in front of 2553 Elm Grove Road. It appeared that the vehicle left the roadway and traveled across a grassy median before traveling over a driveway and coming to rest in the ditch. No other vehicles appeared to be involved. The driver of the Silverado, 23-year-old Ruben Barron Lopez, died in the accident. A toxicology report indicates he had a BAC of .162 at the time of the crash. No other details are available.
COMMENTARY:
An accident like this is always unexpected and tragic for family members left behind. They will naturally want details about what led up to the crash and hopefully, a more thorough investigation will be performed to determine if the young man had become intoxicated at the establishment of an alcohol provider prior to getting behind the wheel. This is important because it not only holds those accountable for overserving a patron, but it allows the victim’s family to potentially collect damages against the bar, restaurant, or other establishment for their role in what led up to the crash and tragic loss. In some cases, a bartender can even be charged for their role. Most people don’t realize that if someone is driving drunk and injures or kills themself or someone else, the alcohol provider may share in the responsibility. Holding a bad bar accountable won’t bring back a loved one, but it might give peace to a grieving family, knowing they are protecting others by holding the bar accountable.