Morgan Michael Killed in Amarillo Two-Vehicle Crash at I-40 West and Soncy; Luis Anchondo-Balderama Arrested

Amarillo, Texas (June 12, 2020) – A woman was killed early Friday morning in a DUI crash in Amarillo, according to police.

The deadly crash happened around 1:04 a.m. at the intersection of I-40 West and Soncy.

According to officials, 23-year-old Luis Anchondo-Balderama was driving a truck when he hit another vehicle at the intersection, pushing it into a power pole.

23-year-old Morgan Michael of New Fairfield, who was a passenger in the second vehicle, was declared dead at the scene.

The driver of the second vehicle was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Anchondo-Balderama was arrested for Intoxicated Manslaughter and Intoxicated Assault and was booked into the Potter County Detention Center.

Officials said speed and alcohol were factors in the crash.

The Amarillo Police Department, Traffic Investigation Unit, is investigating the crash.

We pass our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Morgan Michael.

In Texas, a driver is legally intoxicated after consuming alcohol if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08% or higher. A driver is also considered intoxicated if they don’t have the normal use of their mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol. Alcohol however is not the only intoxicant, as drivers can become intoxicated by ingesting prescription and illegal drugs such as crack, marijuana, and cocaine.

Regardless of what substance caused the driver’s reaction time to become significantly altered, intoxication by any means can cause terrible accidents and injuries.

Innocent victims harmed by drunk drivers are entitled to compensation for their injuries, including but not limited to medical expenses; lost wages; pain and suffering and mental anguish; physical impairment and disability; and most importantly, punitive damages to deter future conduct. If a death occurred because of a drunk driver, you will want a knowledgeable accident lawyer to bring a wrongful death action against the drunk driver.

To speak with one of our highly qualified lawyers at  Joel A. Gordon & Associates,  Click to call: 281-943-5555.