Phoenix, AZ – One Killed After Two Car Accidents Near I-17 & 16th St

Phoenix, AZ (November 27, 2020) – A suspected drunk driver drove into oncoming traffic on Friday morning, causing two separate crashes in the greater Phoenix area.

According to Sgt. Mercedes Fortune with the Phoenix Police Department, the first crash happened just after 8:30 a.m. near 16th Street and Interstate 17. At that time, a man in a silver truck was traveling northbound on 16th Street at a high rate of speed, just north of I-17, when he crossed into oncoming traffic. When he crossed into traffic, he hit a black sedan that was traveling southbound. The driver of the black sedan was not seriously injured but was transported to an area medical center as a precaution because she is pregnant.

After the initial collision, the truck driver continued northbound on 16th Street and crossed into oncoming traffic again, colliding head-on with a silver sedan that was traveling southbound on 16th Street near Buckeye Road. Local EMTs responded to the scene, but the man driving the silver sedan was pronounced dead before he could be taken to the hospital.

The truck driver was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Fortune said that, while the man was being transported to the hospital, first responders noted that he smelled of alcohol and showed other signs of impairment.

Fortune said 16th Street near Buckeye Road was restricted while police continue their investigation.

Our deepest condolences go out to the family of the deceased victim. Our thoughts are with the injured victims and their families. We hope for their full recovery.

Fatal Car Accidents in Arizona

Authorities released a report that showed 130,000 collisions happened in Arizona last year alone. According to data released by the Arizona Department of Public Safety, more than 11,000 of these collisions involved at least two drivers and several injuries or deaths. Furthermore, there has been a 19% increase in accidents and a 25% overall increase in fatalities across the state in the last decade. Serious motor vehicle crashes have also resulted in billions of dollars in economic losses to the state of Arizona over the past several years.

It’s clear that multi-car accidents causing injuries are an unfortunately common part of life in Arizona. When multiple victims are injured in an accident, they may have to deal with other drivers’ insurance companies, long-term physical pain, and expensive hospital bills. Occasionally, as a result of these incidents, victims succumb to their injuries, leaving their grieving families to cope with emotional trauma and financial difficulties as a result of another driver’s negligence.

But the victims and their families affected by these wrecks can seek help from a Phoenix injury attorney. A skilled attorney can help victims seek justice and the fair compensation they deserve from suffering in an accident that occurred through no fault of their own.

At ELG, we do not 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. That means that you and your family can feel confident and assured that we will answer all your questions. Our compassionate Phoenix attorneys are here to help you safeguard your legal rights and learn more about filing a claim.

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.

ELG’s Arizona car accident attorneys have years of experience when it comes to fighting for victims and their families. If you’ve been involved in a crash caused by the negligent actions of another driver, contact our accident attorneys in Arizona today at (623) 877-3600 to schedule your consultation.