Tempe, AZ – 2 Officers Injured in Wrong-Way Crash on SR 51 at Indian School Rd
Tempe, AZ (November 4, 2019) – Two Tempe police officers were hit and injured by a wrong-way driver on State Route 51 on Monday.
According to officials from the Tempe Police Department, both officers were sent to a local area hospital and left the wrong-way driver with life-threatening injuries. Information from the Arizona Department of Public Safety stated that the incident occurred near the Indian School Road exit at about 1:45 a.m. on Monday.
It appears that the accident happened when a red Corvette smashed into an on-duty Tempe police sergeant who was driving a marked police vehicle into Phoenix. Per a report from Detective Greg Bacon of Tempe Police, the engine of the red Corvette separated on impact and the initial collision caused another crash with a Tempe police officer’s vehicle. Authorities say that the officer was heading to the same location as the sergeant in a separate vehicle.
The sergeant reportedly sustained more serious injuries, though they were not life-threatening, while the second officer suffered minor injuries. Both were transported to the hospital for treatment via ambulance. Their identities have not been released at this time.
The driver of the Corvette was seriously injured and also taken to a local area hospital for treatment. DPS said impairment is expected to be a factor in the collision but the accident remains under investigation.
Our thoughts are extended to the injured officers in hopes of a quick recovery.
Wrong-Way Accidents in Arizona
In the last several years, there has been a growing trend in wrong-way crashes nationwide, particularly in Arizona. According to recent numbers released by the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, there have been 1,175 wrong-way incidents in the state since the start of this year alone.
Defined as anything from a minor collision to a driver self-correcting their mistakes and entering the wrong side of the freeway, wrong-way accidents often result in serious, sometimes fatal consequences. Victims who sustain injuries in these collisions through no fault of their own may be left with high costs from medical bills and vehicle damage. But those affected can contact an accident attorney in Phoenix to safeguard their legal rights after a wrong-way accident.
Our accident attorneys at ELG Law have years of experience in helping victims get the justice they deserve. Our knowledgeable attorneys can help you get fair compensation to cover the costs associated with injuries incurred from serious collisions. Contact our attorneys in Phoenix at (623) 562-3838 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about safeguarding your legal rights in the aftermath of a wrong-way accident.
Note: As a result of the secondary sources that were used to complete this post, the information included within has not been independently verified by our own staff and may include misinformation. If you read something that, to your knowledge, is incorrect, please contact us as soon as possible and we will correct the inaccuracy.
Disclaimer: As members of the local Phoenix and broader Arizona community, we hope everyone in our community is safe and protected. We cover the events included in this blog as a way to offer support to the victims in similar circumstances and to provide relief during these difficult times. However, this information should not be misconstrued as legal advice, and you should speak with a trained legal professional for more information regarding your situation.
