Former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III was found to be at fault for a fatal car accident that killed a 23-year-old woman. The fatal crash occurred at 3:39 a.m. on Nov. 2 while Ruggs was traveling at excessive speeds.
156 miles per hour
According to law enforcement authorities that investigated the crash, Ruggs was driving a Corvette that was going 156 mph 2.5 seconds before colliding with the victim’s Toyota RAV4. The speed of the Corvette was 127 mph on impact.
Eyewitnesses who were nearby tried to get the victim out of her car but were prevented from rescuing her due to fire in the vehicle. Attorneys for Ruggs say that firefighters reacted slowly when they arrived at the scene.
Blood alcohol level twice the legal limit
Car accidents resulting in serious harm often involve impaired drivers. That was likely the case on Nov. 2 since Ruggs had a blood alcohol level of .161, which is more than twice the legal limit of .08.
Ruggs was booked on several charges and then released on a $150,000 bail. He has also been ordered to be part of an electronic monitoring program. Ruggs’ charges include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or controlled or prohibited substance causing death
- Reckless driving resulting in death
- Possession of a gun while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Compensation for victims of drunk drivers
Victims of drunk driving accidents can pursue compensation for their injuries by filing a personal injury claim. The family of deceased crash victims may also sue a drunk driver for financial compensation. Families may pursue damages such as funeral expenses and lost income. Pain and suffering is also compensable.