Pagaza faces charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross bodily injury
EL CENTRO, CA, (February 05, 2025) - Two drivers were killed and a third arrested following a multi-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon in El Centro, according to the Imperial County Sheriff's Office.
Julian Hart Pagaza was arrested in connection with a deadly multi-vehicle collision that happened Wednesday afternoon in El Centro, the sheriff's office said in a release.
The incident happened at the intersection of North First Street and East Main Street, per the sheriff's office.
Based on preliminary reports by El Centro Police, a vehicle driven by 21-year-old Julian Hart Pagaza was involved in a crash with three other cars at the First Street and Main Street intersection around 1:40 p.m. Tragically, one person died at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries at El Centro Regional Medical Center. Pagaza's exact role in the crash was not immediately revealed. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross bodily injury.
Anyone with additional information about the case was urged to call (760) 352-2111.
The investigation is underway.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
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.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Bond.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family members of the victim 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).