A drunk driver in an SUV rear-ended a car at a high rate of speed on I-17 late Monday night, causing the SUV to roll and killing the 61-year-old driver of the car. The driver of the SUV survived and needed medical treatment but police intend to arrest him once he is released from the hospital.
The accident occurred near Anthem and north of the Carefree Highway on southbound I-17. Reports indicate that the SUV was behind the car and the driver of the SUV was speeding as he approached. The SUV collided with the rear of the car and caused the car to leave the highway and forcing both cars to spin out of control. The SUV rolled to the left across several lanes of traffic.
The driver of the SUV has only been identified as a 27-year-old male who police believe was drunk at the time of the crash. Additionally police have said that the man had a warrant out for his arrest in California stemming from drug charges. Though the SUV rolled over after the crash and the driver was hurt, he attempted to run away from the collision on foot but was stopped by a witness who tackled the driver and held the man until police arrived.
Police closed southbound I-17 for some time as they conducted an investigation but all lanes were opened by early Tuesday morning. Though the driver of the SUV has not been charged, he is expected to face criminal counts upon his release from the hospital which may include vehicular manslaughter.
Arizona sees more than 250 deaths in alcohol-related accidents every year. That is nearly 5 people killed every week in accident where alcohol was involved. These deaths are unnecessary and as this case illustrates, often it is a driver who is not drunk who is killed.
When a drunk driver injures or kills another, the law provides for a civil claim of action to recover against the drunk driver for any injuries or deaths that driver caused. This means that a victim or a victim’s family may be able to make a monetary recovery for their losses if a drunk driver is to blame.
If you have been injured in an accident with a drunk driver or if your family member has been injured or killed, call the Phoenix drunk driving injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. today for a free consultation. We will speak with you 24 hours a day at (602) 819-5191 or toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER and we will discuss your legal rights and your legal options with a consultation that is free and without obligation. Call us today and let us help you get a recovery you deserve.
Prior Blog Entries:
Phoenix Launches New Pedestrian Safety Campaign, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published June 18, 2013.
Deadly Crash in Chandler after Car Runs Red Light, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published June 14, 2013.
Resources:
1 killed in DUI crash on I-17 near Anthem; suspect was wanted on drug charges, by Catherine Holland, azfamily.com, published June 18, 2013.