Tesla strikes westbound dirt bike during turn on Chef Menteur Highway
December 20, 2025 | New Orleans, LA
A tragic collision in New Orleans claimed the life of a dirt bike rider when a Tesla struck him at a busy intersection, leading to the driver's arrest for vehicular homicide.
Donte Harris was arrested on a vehicular homicide charge after a Tesla struck a dirt bike at Chef Menteur Highway and Dodt Avenue.
Key Details of the Incident
- Date and Time: Dec. 20, 2025. around 4:36 p.m.
- Location: Chef Menteur Highway and Dodt Avenue, New Orleans, LA
- Vehicles Involved: Tesla, driven by Donte Harris, 26, and a westbound dirt bike
- Outcome: Rider, an adult male, died at a local hospital, and Harris was arrested for vehicular homicide
- Agency: New Orleans Police Department (NOPD)
What Happened in the Crash?
The Tesla, traveling east on Chef Menteur Highway, attempted a left turn onto Dodt Avenue. During the maneuver, it collided with the oncoming dirt bike. The rider sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at a hospital. Authorities have launched an ongoing investigation into the circumstances.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact NOPD Traffic Fatality Investigators at 504-658-6229.
Why Do Left-Turn Crashes Like This Occur?
Left turns rank among the most dangerous maneuvers on U.S. roads, often resulting in severe collisions when vehicles cross paths with oncoming traffic. Factors such as misjudging speed, distractions, or failure to yield contribute significantly.
Statistic |
Data |
Source |
|---|
Annual Left-Turn Fatalities |
Over 5,000 |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
Percentage of Intersection Crashes |
40% involve left turns |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Risk Increase for Motorcyclists |
30 times higher in turns |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
Legal Insights
National legal analysts provide valuable perspectives on navigating investigations and claims following such incidents.
“In cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted alongside law enforcement efforts. An attorney can re-interview witnesses, review surveillance footage, and secure critical records like phone data to build a thorough case,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal.
Key Takeaways from Analyst Insights:
- Time is critical, and families should act quickly to preserve evidence.
- Independent reviews help ensure all factors are examined beyond initial police findings.
- Legal guidance protects against potential oversights in liability determination.
“Losing a loved one in a crash brings profound emotional and financial challenges. Families may pursue wrongful death claims for companionship loss, pain, and emotional distress. An attorney ensures insurance companies do not undervalue or deny rightful compensation,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
Pending investigation results, the victim's family may explore wrongful death options to seek justice.
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Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(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).