Houston, Texas - Woman and 5-Year-Old Child Hospitalized After Suspected DUI Crash on Harrisburg Boulevard

Police Say Alleged Drunk Driver Had Just Left Bar Before Crash

A 35-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly driving drunk and causing an accident that sent a woman and 5-year-old girl to the hospital early Sunday morning, January 20. Police say Isreal Suarez Lugo admitted to having just left Time Out #1 Sportsbar on Fuqua Street prior to the crash.

According to a witness, he saw a red truck with a female passenger driving erratically and causing other vehicles to slow down out of caution. The witness says the truck attempted to run a red light and crashed into a black Cadillac which was carrying four people and passing through a green light.

Two adults and two children were in the Cadillac. A 24-year-old passenger was hospitalized in critical condition and a 5-year-old girl was rushed to Texas Children's Hospital in critical condition with severe head and spine injuries. A 15-year-old boy and the adult female driver were also hospitalized as a precaution.

The 24-year-old victim has been identified as Kimberly Saucedo and the 5-year-old girl is her niece.

According to court documents, the responding officer smelled alcohol on Lugo's breath and noticed that he had slurred speech, red and glassy eyes, and difficulty maintaining his balance. He said he was traveling to his brother's house after drinking five Michelob Ultra 12 oz. beers between 6 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

Prosecutors are reviewing surveillance video and conducting interviews to determine if Lugo was overserved and if any third parties should be charged.

Legal Recourse for Drunk Driving Accident Victims

Attorney contributor Anjali Nigam helps victims of drunk drivers find justice through civil lawsuits. We've asked him to discuss the legal options available to drunk driving victims in Texas:

We're all aware of the dangers of drunk driving, but drunk driving accidents still account for 10,000 deaths every year. These drivers must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. It's also important to ask if any third parties are partially responsible for a drunk driving crash - such as an alcohol vendor who over served an intoxicated customer. In Texas and many other states, these alcohol vendors can be held liable for drunk driving accidents and injuries if they provided to someone who was visibly intoxicated and that person went on to cause an alcohol-related accident due to their intoxication.

For example, if a bar customer is slurring his speech and unable to stand up straight but the bartender continues serving him alcohol, the bar may be held liable if that customer leaves and causes a drunk driving accident.

If you or a loved one has recently been hit by a drunk driver, we want to help your family find justice. Contact one of our experienced drunk driving accident victims lawyers to learn more about your legal options.