Phoenix, AZ – Josue Soto Killed in Hit-and-Run Accident at Van Buren St

Phoenix, AZ (July 19, 2020) – Officers from the Phoenix Police Department are searching for the driver of a white crossover SUV after a fatal hit-and-run accident on Saturday night.

Officials say that the driver of the SUV fatally struck a pedestrian in Phoenix. Per a report from Phoenix police spokesman Sgt. Tommy Thompson, the driver of the white 2007-2010 Saturn Outlook hit 30-year-old Josue Soto as he was crossing Van Buren Street in a marked crosswalk, just east of 33rd Avenue. There were no signal lights at the intersection, Thompson noted, but the driver did not stop at the scene after the crash.

After the accident occurred, the driver continued eastbound on Van Buren Street. Phoenix EMTs were dispatched to the scene at some point after the accident occurred and discovered Soto in critical condition. Soto was transported to an area hospital via ambulance but he later succumbed to his injuries.

Officers are asking that anyone with information about the driver or their vehicle to call the Phoenix Police Department at 602-262-6151. Callers who wish to stay anonymous can call 480-WITNESS or phone 480-TESTIGO for Spanish.

The crash remains under investigation at this time.

Our deepest condolences go out to the family of Josue Soto at this time.

Fatal Hit-and-Run Accidents in Arizona

Recent data released by the Arizona Department of Transportation show that nearly 130,000 crashes occurred throughout the state last year. Of those wrecks, several hundred were fatal hit-and-run wrecks. In fact, Interstate 10 claims one of the highest rates of these deadly accidents, and other major thoroughfares in Arizona are also subject to an increased number of hit-and-run accidents.

More than any other type of collision, these hit-and-run accidents cause emotional distress, long-term physical problems, issues with insurance companies, and even lost wages or fatal consequences for victims. However, victims and their families can seek help from an Arizona personal injury lawyer and learn more about safeguarding their legal rights after a crash.

At ELG, when we represent a client and an adverse insurance company asks us to allow for a recorded statement from our client, 99% of the time the answer is a definitive no! Our recommendation is to tell them you will seek out counsel first, then call us at ELG Accident Attorneys.

We will gladly review the facts of your case and tailor our advice to match the specific needs of your case.  Every consultation is free and there is no obligation to retain us. So at worst, you get free advice. Plus, we don’t cut corners and use intake specialists or a non-attorney to talk or meet with you. We guarantee your consultation will be with one of our experienced injury attorneys that only handle accident matters, so you and your family can feel confident and rest assured that we will answer all your questions.

ELG’s Phoenix car accident attorneys have years of experience and knowledge when it comes to fighting for victims and their families after they’ve suffered in a crash that occurred through no fault of their own.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact our accident attorneys in Arizona today at (623) 877-3600 to schedule your free consultation. Our compassionate attorneys are ready to help you get the justice and fair compensation you deserve after you’ve suffered due to the negligence of another driver.

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.