Justice David L. Bridges Killed in Royse City Three-Vehicle Crash on Interstate 30 near FM 2642

Royse City, Texas (July 26, 2020) – A Texas 5th Court of Appeals justice was killed Saturday night in a wrong-way crash in Royse City, according to police.

The fatal crash happened at about 9:30 p.m., July 25, on Interstate 30 near FM 2642.

Police said Megan E. Smith, 32, of Royse City, was driving the wrong way in the westbound lanes of the interstate when she struck two vehicles.

One of the vehicles caught fire after the crash.

Justice David L. Bridges of Rockwall was in the vehicle that caught fire and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Smith was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. She is facing an intoxication manslaughter charge and will be booked into the Hunt County Jail after she is released from the hospital.

The other driver was uninjured in the crash.

The crash remains under investigation.

We pass our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Justice David L. Bridges.

In Texas, a driver is legally intoxicated after consuming alcohol if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08% or higher. A driver is also considered intoxicated if they don’t have the normal use of their mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol. Alcohol however is not the only intoxicant, as drivers can become intoxicated by ingesting prescription and illegal drugs such as crack, marijuana, and cocaine.

Regardless of what substance caused the driver’s reaction time to become significantly altered, intoxication by any means can cause terrible accidents and injuries.

Innocent victims harmed by drunk drivers are entitled to compensation for their injuries, including but not limited to medical expenses; lost wages; pain and suffering and mental anguish; physical impairment and disability; and most importantly, punitive damages to deter future conduct. If a death occurred because of a drunk driver, you will want a knowledgeable accident lawyer to bring a wrongful death action against the drunk driver.

To speak with one of our highly qualified lawyers at  Joel A. Gordon & Associates,  Click to call: 281-943-5555.