When people in the Austin area are killed in a car accident as a result of someone else's negligence, a lawsuit meant to recover damages from the responsible party is a distinct possibility. However, determining the full extent of responsiblity in a fatal car crash is not always as clear-cut as it might appear on the surface.
A recent instance of this involves an alleged drunk driving accident in which the driver survived but one of the passengers did not. The family of the deceased passenger is suing the driver for wrongful death -- as well as the bar where the driver had been drinking that night.
According to official reports, the driver had two passengers when she left the Austin bar last July. She apparently thought she was getting on an on-ramp to the interstate highway, but instead drove down a boat ramp and into a lake. The driver and one of her passengers escaped, but the second passenger drowned. The woman who was driving was charged with intoxication manslaughter.
The family of the deceased man is alleging that the bar where the woman had been drinking should have been able to tell that she was intoxicated and stopped serving her alcoholic drinks. The suit names the owners of the bar as well as the bartenders who were on duty that night.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has already investigated the bar, but the results of that probe are under review. It remains to be seen if and how the family who lost a loved one will be compensated.
Source: KTBC-TV, "Family sues Austin bar for fatal drunk driving crash," June 4, 2013
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