The aftermath of a fatal car crash in downtown Houston is still unfolding more than a year later. A lawsuit has been filed against James Harden's restaurant, accusing it of serving alcohol to an intoxicated customer who allegedly caused an accident that resulted in seven deaths in November 2023. The lawsuit claims that Christian Daniel Herrera was served alcohol beyond sobriety at Harden's Thirteen restaurant before the fatal collision, according to a KHOU report.
The lawsuit details, as reported by KHOU, indicate that Herrera's blood alcohol concentration was measured at 0.139, well above the legal limit. The legal action claims that Herrera was "past the point where he was obviously intoxicated to the extent that he presented a clear danger to himself and others," and argues that the restaurant staff was inadequately trained, with no systems in place to monitor patrons' alcohol intake. In a dramatic turn, Herrera’s car reportedly sped through a red light, leading to the deadly intersection collision.
The Houston Chronicle reports that D.J. Hayden, a former NFL player, was among those who lost their lives. The grief continued to grow, and by April, Taylar Jackson, who had initially survived the crash but later died from her injuries, became the seventh victim. Her family has since filed a lawsuit seeking damages over $1 million.
The central issue in the case is the accusation against Thirteen, a restaurant located just seven blocks from the accident site. Opened by Harden in 2021, the venue includes a hookah lounge and bowling alley. The lawsuit claims that Thirteen's employees continued to serve Herrera despite clear signs of intoxication. Thirteen has not yet responded to the allegations.
