Junior Benavidez-Mendoza killed by drunk driver

Despite numerous examples of fatal consequences when someone gets behind the wheel, individuals think they can make it from point A to point B without incident after a few drinks. This overconfidence and lack of consideration for what might happen to others takes over at that moment, and someone may not live to tell the tale. 

Unfortunately for the community, 46-year-old Junior Benavidez-Mendoza’s name has been added to the long list of casualties from drunk driving. He died in a tragic collision on the afternoon of August 5 in Galliano.

Benavidez-Mendoza was behind the wheel of his 2003 Ford Expedition, heading south on Louisiana Highway 308. The Ford Expedition was hit by a 2005 Ford F-150, driven by 32-year-old Javier Raygoza-Nava. The latter driver was driving impaired and was attempting to pass Benavidez-Mendoza in a no-passing zone. 

Raygoza-Nava’s car went off the roadway briefly before attempting to return to Louisiana Highway 308 to his right. His vehicle collided with Benavidez-Mendoza’s, and both cars careened off of the road into Bayou Lafourche. Both cars also overturned.

One poor decision ends in tragedy

Each driver wore their seatbelt at the time of the incident, but Benavidez-Mendoza died from the injuries he suffered at a local hospital. Raygoza-Nava was not hurt. 

A breathalyzer test administered to Raygoza-Nava revealed that his blood alcohol level was almost double the legal limit.

The 32-year-old was arrested on charges of vehicular homicide, DWI first offense, passing in a no-passing zone, and driving without a license. 

Regrettably, it appears as if the decision one party made to drive after drinking cost an innocent bystander his life.

The Johnson Firm expresses its sincere condolences to Benavidez-Mendoza’s family and friends. We can be reached for legal assistance at (337) 433-1414 if you or someone you love is hurt in a car accident.