Tarek Hariz, Daniela Valadez, 1 Injured in Alleged Drunk Driver Accident in Houston, TX
Houston, TX — August 24, 2025, Tarek Hariz, Daniela Valadez, and one other were injured following a car accident around 10:00 p.m. along Shepherd Drive.
According to preliminary statements on the accident, it happened at the intersection of Shepherd Drive and Avalon Place.
Investigators said that 36-year-old Tarek Hariz was in a Tesla going northbound on Shepherd Drive. A Nissan GT-R was going westbound when it crashed with the Tesla, as well as a Nissan Kicks.
Due to the accident, Tarek Hariz and a passenger in the Tesla were seriously injured. A passenger in the Nissan, Daniela Valadez, had possible injuries. Authorities allege that the driver of the GT-R was under the influence of alcohol. Additional details are unavailable.
Commentary
When a serious crash results in multiple injuries and alcohol is alleged to be involved, most people understandably focus on the driver accused of being impaired. That individual often faces criminal charges, and the public assumes justice will run its course. But if the alcohol in question came from a bar, restaurant, or other establishment, then the story may not end with that one person.
Texas law recognizes that alcohol-related crashes aren’t always the result of a driver’s actions alone. If a licensed alcohol provider served someone who was obviously intoxicated and that person went on to cause a crash, the business may be responsible under what’s known as dram shop law. That possibility should matter to anyone affected by a serious incident like this one.
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for these questions to go unasked. Law enforcement agencies are often stretched thin, and tracing alcohol service isn’t always part of the initial investigation. But accountability matters—not just to those hurt in a crash, but to the broader public. If a provider enabled a dangerous situation by serving someone who clearly shouldn't have had more to drink, it’s important that the full picture is brought to light.
Key Takeaways:
- Allegations of drunk driving often raise deeper questions about where and how the alcohol was obtained.
- Under Texas dram shop law, businesses that serve obviously intoxicated individuals may be accountable if that service contributes to a crash.
- Investigating alcohol service helps identify all responsible parties and may help prevent similar incidents in the future.
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