A New Year’s Day crash in Dallas has forever altered the life of 8-year-old Said Abbaszade, who lost part of his leg when an allegedly intoxicated driver collided with his family’s vehicle on Central Expressway.
The child, who was ejected approximately 60 feet from his family’s car when it flipped after being struck by 23-year-old Michael Lavarius McRae’s white Honda Civic, has finally returned home after spending more than a month in the hospital. The January 1, 2026 crash has left the boy facing a long road to recovery — physically and emotionally.
A Family’s Nightmare
Witnesses reported seeing McRae’s vehicle weaving dangerously through traffic at high speeds for several miles before the collision. According to authorities, McRae drove his Honda Civic into the wrong side of Central Expressway, causing a head-on crash that sent the Abbaszade family’s vehicle rolling.
“I would like to see my son how he lived his previous life,” said his mother, Rukhsara Abbasova. “He’s jumping, running, playing with other kids, and I will try to do everything I can for him.” The determination in her voice belies the enormity of the challenges facing the family.
Said, whose name has also been reported as Saeed and whose age has sometimes been listed as 7, returned home on Friday, February 6, 2026. But his homecoming marks just the beginning of a difficult rehabilitation process.
Ongoing Trauma
What happens when a child experiences such a traumatic event? Beyond the physical loss of his limb, Said now suffers from nightmares and has developed a fear of vehicles. His family reports he needs a therapy dog and accessible housing.
The community has rallied around the Abbaszade family, raising over $114,000 through fundraising efforts. The money will help cover mounting medical costs, a prosthetic leg for Said, and assist with moving the family to a one-story home that will be more accessible.
Legal Consequences
McRae, meanwhile, faces serious legal repercussions. He’s been charged with multiple offenses including intoxication assault with serious bodily injury, failure to maintain financial responsibility, assault, DUI, and resisting arrest.
Despite the severity of these charges and the life-altering consequences for Said and his family, McRae is currently out on bond, according to reports.
The case highlights the devastating impact of impaired driving, a persistent problem that continues to claim victims despite decades of awareness campaigns and increasingly strict penalties.
For the Abbaszade family, justice through the legal system will provide little comfort as they face the daily reality of helping their young son adapt to life with a prosthetic limb — and the psychological scars that may take even longer to heal than his physical injuries.
