Pinal County, AZ – UPDATE: Chanda Eckert Arrested in Fatal Hit-and-Run Near Sierra Dr

Pinal County, AZ (March 2, 2020) – On Saturday evening around 8:10 p.m., Pinal County Sheriff’s Officers were called to the scene of a possible intentional hit-and-run accident on East Turquoise Trail and North Sierra Drive outside of Coolidge.

Officers say that the victim, 53-year-old Peggy O’Neil, was pronounced dead on the scene but the at-fault driver had not been located over the weekend.

Authorities say that 33-year-old Chanda Eckert was now been arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

Officers say that the accident remains an ongoing investigation and does not appear to be random as they believe the victim knew the suspect.

Our deepest condolences go out to the family of Peggy O’Neil.

Hit-and-Run Collisions in Arizona

Arizona Department of Transportation data showed that more than 30,000 automobile accidents causing injuries occur in Arizona every year. Furthermore, several of these collisions are hit-and-run accidents, where people are struck by cars and sometimes seriously injured or killed. Such serious incidents are often the fault of distracted or intoxicated drivers who leave the scene to avoid legal repercussions.

Those who sustain injuries in these collisions through no fault of their own may be left with high costs from medical bills and vehicle damage. In some cases, victims may succumb to the injuries they sustained in a hit-and-run accident, leaving their families to pick up the pieces. However, victims and their families can contact an accident attorney in Phoenix to safeguard their legal rights after a hit-and-run 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 collisions. Contact our attorneys in Phoenix at (623) 877-3600 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about safeguarding your legal rights.

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.