Fatal Collision Occurred in 9300 Block of Highland Road
BATON ROUGE, LA, (July 22, 2025) - Two young men, 20-year-old Dakota Carter and 21-year-old Justin Howard, tragically lost their lives late Tuesday night in a single-vehicle crash on Highland Road in Baton Rouge.
Two young men lost their lives in a tragic high-speed crash Tuesday night in Baton Rouge.
The Baton Rouge Police Department reported that the crash occurred around 11:55 p.m. in the 9100 block of Highland Road, between Staring Lane and Gardere Lane. A 2011 Infiniti G37 traveling westbound at high speed veered into the eastbound lane for unknown reasons, left the roadway, and collided with a telephone pole.
Both Carter and Howard, who were inside the vehicle, suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities believe speed was a contributing factor in the crash.
FATAL CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision. As the Baton Rouge Police Department examines what led to the crash, key questions remain regarding the cause of the loss of control and the fatal outcome.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 26 percent of all fatal traffic accidents in the U.S. involve speeding. High-speed collisions not only increase the chances of a crash but also significantly raise the likelihood of death or serious injury.
Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal and a national legal analyst for The Legal Advocate, noted that independent investigations are often necessary in tragic cases like this. “In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect a victim’s rights,” said Bond.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors that must be thoroughly examined,” Bond added. “An accident reconstruction team may also be needed to determine exactly what occurred. These tools are essential in pursuing the compensation families deserve after a devastating loss.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the families of Dakota Carter and Justin Howard may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. Surviving family members may seek compensation for emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and other damages associated with such a catastrophic loss.
Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of grieving families. “In addition to law enforcement’s efforts, an independent investigation should be conducted to preserve evidence and determine liability,” said Bond. “Factors like road conditions, visibility, and lighting must all be considered.”
“A wrongful death attorney can help ensure that families are informed, supported, and positioned to seek the justice they deserve,” Bond added.
If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
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