Kaufman, TX (February 28, 2026) — Four people are recovering from injuries after an alleged drunk driver backed his vehicle through the wall of a local McDonald’s restaurant. The incident, which Kaufman Police described as a high-impact collision, occurred on Thursday, February 26, while several employees and customers were inside the building.
According to investigators, 28-year-old Luis Soto reversed his car with enough force to plow through the exterior wall. Two employees were among those hurt; one worker suffered severe facial fractures, a fractured nose, and a black eye after taking the "brunt of the impact." A second employee sustained heavy bruising and lacerations to her hand while attempting to shield herself from flying debris. One victim was rushed by ambulance to a nearby hospital in serious condition.
Following the crash, Soto allegedly fled the scene, prompting a short police pursuit. Officers successfully pulled him over and detained him shortly thereafter. Soto has been charged with four counts of intoxication assault with a vehicle, as well as criminal mischief, evading arrest, and driving while intoxicated (DWI).
We wish a full and swift recovery to all the hurt workers.
Compensation and Damages Victims Can Recover After an Accident in Kaufman
In Texas, victims of a drunk driving crash can seek compensation from the driver's insurance, but they may also have a claim against the establishment that served the driver. Because the driver fled and led police on a chase, victims may be eligible for "punitive damages," which are designed to punish especially dangerous behavior.
Economic damages cover the specific financial burdens placed on the victims. This can include the cost of the ambulance transport, emergency room fees, and specialized care for injuries and surgeries. Additionally, if the injured person is unable to return to their work, they can seek compensation for lost wages and any loss of future earning capacity caused by their physical limitations.
Non-economic damages address the physical and emotional trauma that follows a violent, unexpected crash. This includes the physical pain of injuries, as well as the mental anguish associated with being struck by a vehicle. In Texas, these "human costs" are a significant part of a personal injury claim.
If a case involves a drunk driver who fled the scene, victims may be entitled to Punitive Damages (also known as exemplary damages). Unlike standard compensation, these are awarded specifically to punish the defendant for "gross negligence." Driving while intoxicated and then evading arrest demonstrates a flagrant disregard for human life.
A crash involving an intoxicated driver and a business structure creates a complex web of insurance and legal questions. At Harrell & Paulson, our legal team has experience reviewing insurance policies and explaining how these types of claims may work in your case.
If you want clear information about your options after a crash, you can contact Harrell & Paulson at (972) 895-7746 today to talk about your situation and learn more about available next steps with our personal injury lawyer.
Note: This post was prepared using publicly available secondary sources. The details of the incident have not been independently verified. If you find any inaccuracies, please contact Harrell & Paulson so we can promptly review and update the post with the most accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information in this post is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or medical advice. This content does not establish an attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute a solicitation for legal services. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please seek immediate medical attention. Any photo included in this post is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual accident scene.
