William Patten, 2 Injured in Alleged Drunk Driver Accident in Denton, TX
Denton, TX — July 19, 2025, William Patten and two others were injured due to an alleged drunk driver accident at 3:17 a.m. at Bonnie Brae Street.
According to initial statements about the accident, it happened in the area of the I-35E and Bonnie Brae Street intersection.
Investigators said that 23-year-old William Patten was in a Honda CR-V going along the roadway. A Toyota Camry allegedly backed unsafely, resulting in a collision with the Honda. Due to this, William Patten had reportedly minor injuries.
Two passengers in the Toyota were reportedly injured—one seriously. The driver of that vehicle is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol. No further information is available at this time.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When people hear that alcohol may have played a role in a crash, especially one that happens in the early morning hours, it’s easy to view it as a matter of individual recklessness. But too often, these incidents aren’t just about one bad decision—they may reflect a series of missed opportunities to prevent harm.
If the allegedly at-fault driver in this Denton crash was under the influence, then one of the most important questions to ask is whether someone over-served them before they ever got behind the wheel. That’s the kind of question Texas dram shop law is built to answer. If an alcohol provider served someone who was obviously intoxicated, and that person went on to injure others, the law allows those affected to hold the provider accountable.
But here’s the issue: that part of the story can vanish quickly if it’s not investigated early. Evidence disappears. Surveillance is erased. Witnesses forget. And unless someone knows to dig deeper, a key piece of the truth may never come to light.
It’s not just about punishment—it’s about understanding the full picture of what led to someone’s injuries and making sure the right lessons are learned from it. That way, victims and families can see a just resolution, and the community as a whole can rest easier knowing a reckless alcohol provider was set straight.
Key takeaways:
- Dram shop law allows alcohol providers who over-serve patrons to be held accountable.
- Early investigation is critical, but these questions often go unasked unless someone knows what to look for.
- Even when charges are filed, there may be more to the story—and the law offers tools to uncover it.
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