Yet another Fort Worth bar is under investigation following a deadly drunk driving accident early Monday morning. According to police reports and a recent jailhouse interview, Luis Neives left the bar Embargo traveling the wrong way on I-30 near the Fort Worth convention center and a short time later ran head on into Alejandro Raya, killing the father of three and engulfing Raya’s tanker truck in flames.
It’s a miracle that Neives is still alive. The wreck and subsequent fire was so violent that it has damaged the two lanes involved so badly they will be closed for an extended amount of time.
As a result of his actions, Neives has been charged with drunken driving and intoxication manslaughter.
According to an interview Neives gave from the jail apologizing for his actions, he had drunk 10 beers before he got behind the wheel. This is obviously more than enough to severely impair a drivers ability to operate a vehicle safety.
In cases such as this, there are more responsible than just the driver. Establishments that serve alcohol have a responsibility to monitor their patrons and refuse service if they are intoxicated. If an establishment fails to monitor a customer and over serves them, they are then liable for that person’s actions. These are known as dram shop laws in Texas and were put in place to avoid tragic events such as this.
While the case is still under investigation, common sense will tell you 10 beers is more than enough to cause significant impairment. If Neives’ jailhouse story was accurate, that he had 10 beers at Embargo, then there may be a dram shop case against the bar for over serving a patron who would later take the life of a 45-year-old father of three.
Rasansky Law Firm has recently represented the family of a young mother who was killed by a drunk driver who had been over served by a different Fort Worth bar. Sonia Baker was killed in December of 2009 when her car was struck by off-duty Fort Worth police officer, Jesus Cisneros. Cisneros had been drinking at The Pour House and was visibly intoxicated when he left the bar, got behind the wheel, and later collided with Baker’s car, taking her life.
Cases like these are not about money, but about holding establishments and others responsible for their actions. It’s about changing a culture that tolerates establishments that make the choice to put profit over safety. If you or a loved one have experienced similar situation, you should contact our car wreck attorneys today. In a tragic situation such as this, everyone involved who contributed to a man losing his life, children losing their father, and a wife losing her husband should be held responsible.
