DWI Victim to Receive $1.5 Million in Settlement

By Marianne Madden

Published on October 13, 2006

Sam’s Operating Austin Ltd., the former operators of the Sam’s Boat bar, will pay Altovise Williams $1 million. Eric Strawbridge, the driver of the Land Rover that hit Williams, will pay the other $500,000, reported Williams' attorney, Marc Rosenthal of Rosenthal and Watson.

Williams’ leg was partially crushed during the accident, which occurred in the early hours of June 7, 2003, and left her unable to walk. Strawbridge was arrested immediately following the accident and charged with DWI. His blood alcohol level was 0.15, almost double the legal limit of 0.08. Because of Williams’ injury, he was later charged with intoxication assault.

Strawbridge pleaded guilty and received 90 days in jail, a $5,000 fine, and ten years’ probation. His plea bargain also requires him to take part in a public service announcement about the harms of drinking and driving.

Williams, 29, filed the civil suit after learning that Strawbridge had spent several hours at the Sam’s Boat bar before the accident occurred. The suit claimed that the bar had served Strawbridge excessive amounts of alcohol and let him leave when he was obviously intoxicated.

The bar later closed when their liquor license was revoked by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

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