Texas woman charged with intoxication manslaughter after crash

Impaired driving due to the use of alcohol is an egregious and preventable offense in Texas that puts the lives of others on the roadway in peril. The injuries and potential deaths caused by drunk drivers can place a heavy emotional and financial burden on victims and their families.

Texas police reported that a 20-year-old Texas man was driving to work for the National Guard, when he was hit by another car in the early morning hours. A 29-year-old woman hit the man’s gold Honda at an intersection with her silver Dodge.

After the car accident, the man was quickly transported to a local hospital where he died from the injuries he experienced in the crash. The woman was also taken to the hospital for less serious injuries.

Officials said when the woman was released from the hospital, she was arrested and brought up on intoxication manslaughter charges. Police reported that the woman was taken to jail and her bail was set at $15,000.

Drivers convicted of intoxication manslaughter may face prison time and fines. They could also face a lengthy driver’s license suspension, and a criminal record. The criminal record could impact their future employment or educational opportunities.

Driving a vehicle while drunk is a reckless and negligent act that shows a total disregard for the safety of other road users, and is sufficient cause to file a lawsuit in the event of an accident.

In addition to the potential criminal charges, drunk drivers can also be held personally liable for the financial costs incurred by those injured in the accident and to the families of the deceased. These determinations are made in a separate, civil proceeding.

Source: NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth, “Granbury Woman Arrested After Fatal Euless Crash” No author given, Mar. 10, 2014