Wrong-Way DUI Truck Crash Kills Mother and Son Returning from Softball Tournament in San Benito, Texas

A Family’s Journey Home Turned Deadly on Texas Highways

The drive home should have been a time for celebration. After a weekend softball tournament in Dallas, Brittany Munive, 33, and her family were returning to Houston, looking forward to sharing stories of the games, the camaraderie, and the small victories that make youth sports so meaningful. Her 9-year-old son DJ was likely replaying his favorite moments in his mind, maybe even practicing his swing in the backseat. Her husband Dario and 10-year-old daughter Mila were with them, completing the family unit that had spent the weekend bonding over America’s favorite pastime.

But in an instant, everything changed.

On a freeway in Houston, their Mitsubishi was struck head-on by a Ford F-150 driven by Michael Anthony Arguijo, 46, who police allege was driving the wrong way while intoxicated. The impact was catastrophic. Brittany and DJ were killed. Dario and Mila were rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The force of the collision sent their car into a third vehicle, creating a multi-vehicle crash scene that first responders described as one of the most devastating they’d ever seen.

This wasn’t just an accident. It was a preventable tragedy—a collision of human error, corporate negligence, and systemic failures that left a Houston family shattered and a community in mourning. At Attorney911, we’ve seen this pattern too many times: a wrong-way driver, a history of DUI, a trucking company that may have overlooked red flags, and a family left to pick up the pieces.

If you or someone you love has been affected by a wrong-way crash or DUI-related accident in San Benito, Texas, or anywhere in the Lone Star State, you need to know your rights. This article will break down what happened, why it happened, and how families like the Munives can seek justice when negligence turns a routine drive into a nightmare.

Who Is Michael Anthony Arguijo?

A History of Recklessness

Michael Anthony Arguijo, 46, is at the center of this tragedy. According to court records cited in the article, Arguijo has a history of drunk driving that should have raised red flags long before this fatal crash.

In 2020, Arguijo was charged with a misdemeanor driving while intoxicated (DWI). However, that charge was dismissed after he completed a pre-trial intervention program. Pre-trial intervention is a common diversion program for first-time offenders, allowing them to avoid a conviction if they meet certain conditions, such as completing alcohol education classes or community service.

But here’s the problem: diversion programs don’t erase the underlying behavior. They don’t guarantee that the offender has truly changed. They don’t prevent future offenses. And in Arguijo’s case, they clearly didn’t work.

At Attorney911, we’ve seen this pattern time and time again. A driver with a history of DUI gets a slap on the wrist, completes a program, and is sent back on the road with little to no oversight. Meanwhile, families like the Munives pay the price when that same driver makes the same reckless decision again.

The Charges: Intoxication Manslaughter

Following the crash, Arguijo was charged with two counts of intoxication manslaughter. Intoxication manslaughter is a second-degree felony in Texas, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The charge applies when a person operates a motor vehicle while intoxicated and, by reason of that intoxication, causes the death of another.

At the time of this writing, it’s unclear whether Arguijo has retained an attorney or entered a plea. He remains hospitalized in critical condition, which may delay the legal proceedings against him.

But here’s what we know for certain: this crash was preventable. If Arguijo had made the responsible choice not to drive while intoxicated, Brittany and DJ would still be alive. If the system had held him accountable the first time, this tragedy might never have happened.

The Legal Fallout: Who Is Responsible?

When a wrong-way crash like this occurs, the question of liability is complex. Multiple parties may share responsibility, and identifying all potentially liable parties is critical to ensuring the victims’ families receive full compensation. At Attorney911, we’ve handled countless trucking and DUI-related cases, and we know that holding the right parties accountable requires a thorough investigation.

Here’s a breakdown of the parties that could be held liable in this case:

1. Michael Anthony Arguijo (The Driver)

Arguijo is the most obvious party responsible for this crash. Police have charged him with two counts of intoxication manslaughter, and if convicted, he could face significant prison time.

But criminal charges are only part of the equation. The Munive family may also pursue a civil wrongful death lawsuit against Arguijo. In Texas, wrongful death claims allow surviving family members to seek compensation for:
– Lost income and financial support that Brittany and DJ would have provided
– Loss of companionship, love, and guidance for Dario and Mila
– Funeral and burial expenses
– Pain and suffering experienced by Brittany and DJ before their deaths
– Punitive damages, if Arguijo’s actions were found to be grossly negligent or reckless

However, suing an individual driver often has limited financial upside. Most drivers carry only the minimum auto insurance required by Texas law—$30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident—which is woefully inadequate to cover the damages in a case like this. That’s why it’s critical to look beyond the driver and identify other potentially liable parties.

3. The Bar or Establishment That Served Arguijo Alcohol

Texas has a Dram Shop Law (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02) that allows victims of drunk driving accidents to sue bars, restaurants, or other establishments that knowingly served alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person who later caused an accident.

To succeed in a Dram Shop claim, the Munive family would need to prove:
1. The establishment served alcohol to Arguijo.
2. Arguijo was obviously intoxicated at the time he was served.
3. The establishment’s decision to continue serving Arguijo was a proximate cause of the crash.

Challenges with Dram Shop Claims:
Dram Shop claims can be difficult to prove because they require evidence that the establishment knew or should have known that Arguijo was intoxicated. However, if Arguijo was visibly drunk—slurring his speech, stumbling, or exhibiting other signs of impairment—the establishment could be held liable.

5. Government Entities (TxDOT, Local Agencies)

If poor road design, signage, or maintenance contributed to the crash, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) or local government agencies could be held liable. For example:
– Missing or Obscured Signs: If signs warning drivers of the correct direction of travel were missing, damaged, or obscured.
– Poor Lighting: If inadequate lighting made it difficult for Arguijo to see that he was traveling in the wrong direction.
– Confusing Ramp Design: If the exit ramp was designed in a way that made it easy for drivers to enter the freeway in the wrong direction.

Challenges with Government Claims:
Suing a government entity is more complicated than suing a private party. Texas has sovereign immunity laws that limit the government’s liability, and there are strict notice requirements and short deadlines for filing claims. However, if the government’s negligence contributed to the crash, it’s important to explore this avenue.

How Attorney911 Can Help

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for victims of trucking accidents, DUI crashes, and wrongful death. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by negligence. We know how to hold trucking companies, drunk drivers, and other negligent parties accountable.

Here’s how we can help the Munive family and others like them:

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

In cases like this, evidence disappears fast. Trucking companies and insurance adjusters start protecting their interests within hours of a crash. That’s why we act immediately to:
– Send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties, demanding they preserve critical evidence, such as:
– Black box data (ECM/EDR) from Arguijo’s truck
– Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records showing Arguijo’s driving hours
– Cell phone records to determine if Arguijo was distracted
– Toxicology reports confirming his blood alcohol level
– Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras
– Witness statements before memories fade
– Deploy accident reconstruction experts to the scene to document skid marks, vehicle damage, and road conditions.
– Subpoena records from Arguijo’s employer, the bar that served him alcohol, and any other potentially liable parties.

2. Thorough Investigation

We leave no stone unturned in our investigation. Our team will:
– Review Arguijo’s driving history, including his prior DUI conviction and any other traffic violations.
– Investigate his employer’s hiring and supervision practices to determine if they knew or should have known about his history of reckless behavior.
– Examine the bar or establishment that served Arguijo alcohol to determine if they violated Texas’s Dram Shop Law.
– Analyze the crash scene to identify any infrastructure failures, such as missing signs or poor lighting, that may have contributed to the crash.
– Consult with medical experts to document the full extent of Dario and Mila’s injuries and their long-term prognosis.

3. Identify All Liable Parties

As we’ve discussed, multiple parties may share responsibility for this crash. We’ll identify every potentially liable party, including:
– Michael Anthony Arguijo (the driver)
– Arguijo’s employer (if he was driving a company vehicle or on duty)
– The bar or establishment that served Arguijo alcohol
– The manufacturer of Arguijo’s truck (if a defect contributed to the crash)
– Government entities (if poor road design or maintenance played a role)

4. Maximize Compensation

We’ll fight to recover every dollar the Munive family deserves, including:
– Medical expenses for Dario and Mila’s past, present, and future care
– Lost wages and lost earning capacity for Dario
– Pain and suffering for Dario, Mila, and the estate of Brittany and DJ
– Funeral and burial expenses for Brittany and DJ
– Punitive damages to punish Arguijo and deter similar conduct in the future

5. Handle All Legal Proceedings

We’ll handle every aspect of the legal process, including:
– Filing the lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires
– Negotiating with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement
– Taking the case to trial if necessary to hold the negligent parties accountable

What to Do If You’re Involved in a Wrong-Way Crash

If you or a loved one is involved in a wrong-way crash, time is of the essence. Here’s what you should do:

1. Call 911 Immediately

• Report the crash and request medical assistance for anyone who is injured.
• If you suspect the other driver is impaired, tell the dispatcher.

2. Seek Medical Attention

• Even if you don’t think you’re injured, get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries (TBI) or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent.
• Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments.

3. Document the Scene

• Take photos and videos of:
• The damage to all vehicles involved
• The crash scene, including skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signs
• Your injuries
• Any visible signs of impairment in the other driver (e.g., empty alcohol containers, slurred speech)
• Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.

4. Do NOT Admit Fault

• Avoid apologizing or making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault.
• Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without consulting an attorney.

5. Contact an Experienced Trucking Accident Attorney

• Evidence disappears fast in wrong-way crash cases. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of preserving critical evidence.
• An attorney can help you navigate the legal process, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call Attorney911 Today: Your Fight Starts Here

Every minute you wait, evidence in your case could be disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Witnesses forget what they saw. Trucking companies and insurance adjusters start building their defense.

Don’t let them get away with it.

At Attorney911, we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. We’ll handle everything, from preserving evidence to negotiating with insurance companies to taking your case to trial if necessary.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) or visit https://attorney911.com to schedule your free consultation. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your call.

Why Choose Attorney911?

✅ 25+ Years of Experience: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by negligence.

✅ Insider Knowledge: Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny claims. We use that insider knowledge to fight for you.

✅ Aggressive Representation: We don’t back down from trucking companies, insurance adjusters, or anyone else who tries to stand in the way of justice. We’ll fight for every dollar you deserve.

✅ Compassionate Support: We understand the emotional toll of a serious accident. We’ll treat you like family and guide you through every step of the legal process.

✅ No Fee Unless We Win: You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation, and we only get paid if we win your case.

Additional Resources

For more information on trucking accidents, wrong-way crashes, and your legal rights, check out these resources from Attorney911:

• The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries – Learn what to do if you’ve been injured in a trucking accident.
• Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck? – Understand your legal options after a trucking accident.
• The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents – A comprehensive overview of trucking accident cases.
• What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster? – Protect your rights after an accident.
• How to Negotiate a Car Accident Settlement – Maximize your compensation with these tips.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and the information provided may not apply to your specific situation. If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact Attorney911 for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.