Jonathan Reyes Injured in El Paso Car Accident
High-speed rollover on Montana Avenue leaves 18-year-old driver dead, 17-year-old passenger seriously injured
Jonathan Reyes, 17, of El Paso, was seriously injured in a single-vehicle car accident on Montana Avenue in El Paso, Texas, on April 26, according to the El Paso Police Department.
A westbound 2021 Chevrolet Camaro traveling at a high rate of speed struck a concrete barrier and a curb, causing the car to roll over. The 18-year-old driver of the vehicle died from injuries sustained in the wreck.
Paramedics transported the teenage passenger to a local hospital for treatment of severe injuries.
The Special Traffic Investigation Unit continues to examine the circumstances surrounding the rollover. This incident marks the 18th traffic death in the city for the year, compared to 21 at the same time last year, police said.
Why did the Camaro roll over on Montana Avenue?
While the El Paso Police Department continues to investigate the exact sequence of events, authorities have identified excessive speed as the primary factor in the crash. For the parents of an injured minor passenger, understanding the full scope of the driver's actions is a critical step in the recovery process. National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. "In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from a crash scene and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party. 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,"
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, single-vehicle run-off-road crashes accounted for nearly 32% of traffic deaths in the state in 2023, highlighting the severe risks associated with high-speed loss of control.
What are the rights of an injured passenger in Texas?
Passengers injured in single-vehicle crashes often face complex insurance claims, especially when the at-fault driver is deceased. Families must handle medical bills and long-term care costs while dealing with the driver's estate and auto insurance providers. "When vehicle accidents result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, victims are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action," noted National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, of Counsel at Counsel at Bond Legal. Consulting a personal injury attorney can help clarify rights and potential claims.
Texas wrongful death statute
Under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 71.001, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. Texas applies modified comparative fault (51% bar). The statute of limitations is 2 years.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship and consortium, funeral expenses, and mental anguish.