El Paso T-Bone Crash Claims Teen’s Life: Haggerty Drive Intersection Under Scrutiny

The tragic loss of a young life in a T-bone collision at the intersection of Sean Haggerty Drive and Gateway North Boulevard in El Paso has ignited concerns about the safety of this intersection. According to reports, an 18-year-old, Angelique Diaz De Leon, died on New Year’s Day, January 1st, 2026, when the Chevy Camaro she was a passenger in was struck by a pickup truck that allegedly ran a red light. This devastating incident, the first traffic fatality in El Paso for 2026, has placed the Haggerty Drive intersection under scrutiny and highlights the dangers of negligent driving.

A Closer Look at the Accident

Preliminary investigations indicate that the Chevy Camaro, driven by Ramirez, was traveling eastbound when it entered the intersection of Gateway North and Sean Haggerty. A pickup truck, driven by Garcia, allegedly disregarded a red light and collided with the Camaro in a T-bone crash. Angelique Diaz De Leon, a passenger in the Camaro, was pronounced dead at the scene. Ramirez, the driver, sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Authorities are investigating whether alcohol was a factor in the crash.

Haggerty Drive Intersection: A History of Accidents?

While this recent tragedy has brought renewed attention to the intersection of Sean Haggerty Drive and Gateway North Boulevard, it’s important to consider whether this location has a history of accidents. Searching for “Haggerty Drive Intersection El Paso accidents” reveals:

Past Incidents: While not all results specifically pinpoint the Gateway North and Sean Haggerty intersection, they do highlight that the area around Sean Haggerty and Dyer has seen serious accidents, including a rollover crash in 2020 that sent seven people to the hospital.
Gateway South and Sean Haggerty: There was a deadly crash on Gateway South and Sean Haggerty in March 2025.

This suggests that the general area may be prone to accidents, warranting a closer examination of the factors contributing to these incidents.

El Paso’s Dangerous Intersections: A City-Wide Problem

The tragedy at Haggerty Drive also raises broader questions about traffic safety in El Paso. Several reports identify intersections known for their high accident rates. Some of the most dangerous intersections in El Paso include:

I-10 and George Dieter Drive
Loop 375 and Montwood Drive
Joe Battle Boulevard and Montwood Drive
I-10 and Lee Trevino Drive
Mesa Street and Executive Center Boulevard

These intersections share common characteristics that contribute to their dangerousness, including:

High-Speed Roadways: Intersections involving highways or major roads where vehicles travel at high speeds increase crash severity.
Heavy Traffic Flow: High traffic volume, especially during peak hours, leads to congestion and a higher risk of accidents.
Complex Merging Patterns: Confusing road layouts with multiple merging lanes, short turn lanes, and awkward angles make it difficult for drivers to navigate safely.
Commercial Traffic: The presence of large commercial trucks, particularly on I-10, increases the risk of severe accidents due to their size and weight.
Distracted Driving: Areas with high retail and restaurant density often experience a higher incidence of distracted driving, contributing to accidents.

Factors Contributing to El Paso Accidents

Beyond specific intersections, several factors contribute to the high rate of car accidents in El Paso:

Dangerous Driving Behaviors: El Paso has been ranked among the worst cities for driving behavior, with speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, and failure to yield being major contributors to accidents.
Complex Roadways: The city’s complex roadway system, including the “Spaghetti Bowl” interchange (I-10, I-110, and US 54), contributes to driver confusion and increases the risk of accidents.
High Traffic Volume: As a major border city, El Paso experiences a high volume of traffic, including commercial trucks traveling between the U.S. and Mexico, leading to congestion and a higher risk of accidents.
Red-Light Running: A significant number of accidents in Texas are related to the intentional disregard of red lights and stop signs.

Legal Implications of a T-Bone Accident

A T-bone accident, also known as a side-impact collision, occurs when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another. These types of accidents can result in serious injuries due to the limited protection on the side of a vehicle. Determining fault in a T-bone accident is crucial for pursuing a personal injury claim.

In most cases, the driver who failed to yield the right-of-way or ran a red light is deemed at fault. However, factors such as distracted driving, speeding, and impairment can also contribute to the accident and affect liability.

Seeking Legal Assistance

If you or a loved one has been injured in a T-bone accident in El Paso, it is essential to seek legal assistance from an experienced personal injury attorney. A lawyer can help you:

Investigate the accident to determine fault.
Gather evidence to support your claim.
Negotiate with insurance companies.
File a lawsuit if necessary.
Recover compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Losing a loved one in a car accident is a devastating experience. In addition to the emotional toll, families often face significant financial burdens. A wrongful death claim can help families recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and other damages.

Advice for El Paso Drivers

Given the high rate of car accidents and dangerous intersections in El Paso, it is crucial for drivers to exercise caution and practice safe driving habits:

Obey Traffic Laws: Always follow speed limits, traffic signals, and other traffic laws.
Avoid Distractions: Refrain from texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other activities that take your attention away from the road.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Yield the Right-of-Way: Be sure to yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and pedestrians when required.
Drive Defensively: Anticipate potential hazards and be prepared to react accordingly.
Never Drive Impaired: Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The tragic death of a teenager at the Haggerty Drive intersection serves as a stark reminder of the importance of traffic safety. By understanding the factors that contribute to accidents and practicing safe driving habits, we can all help make El Paso’s roads safer for everyone. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, remember to seek legal assistance to protect your rights and recover the compensation you deserve.