In July of 2012, Ed Blackwell was driving in Spring, Texas when he entered the southbound lanes of Interstate 45 near Woodlands Parkway. He then suddenly made a sharp U-Turn and began travelling north in the southbound lanes. Shortly thereafter, he crashed into a car occupied by Anis Atkins and Dominique Hobbs. As a result of the crash, Atkins and Hobbs died. Stephen Isbell, a passenger in Blackwell’s vehicle, also lost his life as a result of the collision. At the time of the crash, Blackwell’s blood-alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit. Prior to getting in the car, Blackwell and Isbell were drinking at Papa’s Ice House in Spring.
When a drunk driver causes damage, personal injury, or death while intoxicated, The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code provides for a cause of action against the bar that served alcohol to the driver if the driver was obviously intoxicated and presented a clear danger to himself and others.
In February of 2012, Isbell’s wife filed a lawsuit against Spring Social Club, Inc., which owns and operates the Texas Alcoholic Beverage License for Papa’s Ice House. Family members of Dominique Hobbs joined the lawsuit. According to court documents, Blackwell and Isbell were at Papa’s Ice House for close to six hours prior to getting in the car. The TABC investigated the incident and issued a fine of $21,000 to Papa’s Ice House for over-serving an intoxicated person.
In September, the parties to the lawsuit agreed to a settlement under which the families of the deceased would receive $3 million.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to recover from a bar or restaurant who served the driver excessive amounts of alcohol. The law firm of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner is the oldest personal injury firm in Texas, and our attorneys are standing by to assist with your claim. Call us today at (713) 222-7211 or 713-222-7211 for your free consultation.