Deadly collision happened at Rojas Drive and Eastlake Boulevard, authorities say
EL PASO, TX, (November 02, 2024) - A Saturday night crash in far East El Paso left two people dead and led to the arrest of a third person accused of intoxication manslaughter, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Rick Ballard, 29, was identified as one of the fatally injured victims of a two-vehicle crash that happened at Eastlake and Rojas in far East El Paso Saturday night, the Sheriff's Office said.
One of the fatality victims—identified as Rick Ballard—died at the scene. The other passed away at a local hospital.
The incident happened around 11:40 p.m. at Rojas Drive and Eastlake Boulevard. Deputies, along with medical personnel, responded to the crash site, where they found three people, including 29-year-old Ballard, suffering from major injuries. Ballard and the other person did not survive the crash. The third individual will be arrested when released from the hospital, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Further details regarding what led up to the wreck were not immediately available.
The investigation is ongoing.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol is always dangerous, not only for intoxicated drivers but for other people on the road.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding was the primary cause of fatal crashes in 2018, followed by the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication; failure to stay in the proper lane; failure to yield the right of way; and distracted driving.
While the cause and liability of the crash are being investigated, Candice Bond, an experienced accident attorney and Managing Partner of Bond Legal, said that it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney.
“Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family during this difficult time, protecting their rights, while ensuring that a driver who does not obey traffic laws is held accountable for their actions,” Bond added.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family members of Rick Ballard may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident.
“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one,” said Bond, a national analyst for Newsline.
“If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a wrongful death attorney and get the guidance needed to obtain the justice you deserve.”
Have you been in a similar accident and need help? Speak to Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond now free of charge for a no-obligation consultation
(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).