A possible civil suit against Henry Ruggs has drawn national attention after a fatal crash in Las Vegas. The case raises questions about how a victim’s family can pursue a claim when criminal charges are still pending. Here we look at the facts and the legal path that a family in this situation may consider.
What the police reported
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III crashed into a second vehicle in the early morning of November 2, 2021. According to reports, Ruggs allegedly drove 156 mph just before the 3:40 a.m. crash. His blood alcohol level reportedly measured .161, which doubles the legal limit in Nevada. Ruggs and his girlfriend reportedly escaped with injuries. The crash killed Tina Tintor, who was 23.
Prosecutors charged Ruggs with DUI resulting in death, a Class B felony under Nevada law. That charge carries a sentence of two to 20 years. They also charged him with reckless driving resulting in death or substantial bodily harm, which carries one to six years. Police reported a loaded gun in the car, and a judge set bail at $150,000. These are allegations, and Ruggs is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
How a civil suit against Henry Ruggs could proceed
A separate question is whether Tina Tintor’s family could bring a civil claim for negligence. To prove negligence, a family must show a breach of the defendant’s duty, that the breach caused injury, and that the injury resulted in damages. A civil case uses a lower standard of proof than a criminal case. As a result, a family can sometimes recover even when criminal questions remain open.
What families can take from this case
This case shows how a fatal crash can lead to both criminal charges and a separate civil claim. The two cases move on different tracks and serve different purposes. Families who have lost a loved one in a crash can speak with our Washington DC wrongful death lawyer team, and our car accident attorneys can review the facts and explain the options.
