John McLaughlin killed in collision involving garbage truck on 40th Street in Phoenix, Arizona

Fatal Multi-Vehicle Collision on 40th Street in Northeast Phoenix Claims One Life, Injures Three

A tragic collision involving a pickup truck, SUV, and garbage truck claimed the life of 44-year-old John McLaughlin and left three others injured, including a child, in northeast Phoenix on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred just before 3:30 p.m. near the intersection of 40th and Cholla streets, north of Shea Boulevard. According to Phoenix Fire Department reports, McLaughlin was driving northbound on 40th Street when his pickup truck crossed into southbound lanes and ran a red light at Cholla Street. The truck first collided with a small SUV carrying two occupants, forcing it off the road into a nearby wall, before continuing north and striking a Waste Management truck. Emergency responders pronounced McLaughlin deceased at the scene, while two adult males and a child were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

Location and Infrastructure The collision site at 40th Street and Cholla Street is a significant intersection in northeast Phoenix's residential district. This stretch of 40th Street serves as a major north-south arterial route connecting the Paradise Valley and North Phoenix communities. The intersection is controlled by traffic signals and experiences moderate to heavy traffic during weekday afternoons, particularly due to its proximity to several schools and shopping centers. The area features wide, multi-lane roadways with dedicated turn lanes and marked crosswalks. Several residential developments and commercial properties border this corridor, making it a busy thoroughfare for both local and through traffic.

Legal Rights and Considerations Under Arizona law, victims of motor vehicle accidents have two years from the date of the incident to file personal injury claims. Multiple parties may share liability in complex multi-vehicle collisions, triggering various insurance considerations including personal injury protection, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and commercial vehicle insurance policies. Compensation may be available for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. In fatal accident cases, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims. Arizona's comparative negligence laws allow victims to seek compensation even if partially at fault, though any recovery would be reduced by their percentage of responsibility.

Related Resources:

• Phoenix Police Department Traffic Unit: (602) 262-6151
• Phoenix Fire Department Emergency Services
• Arizona Department of Transportation Safety Resources
• Maricopa County Victim Services Division
• Arizona State Bar Association Referral Service
• Arizona Department of Public Safety Crash Report Database

In Arizona, running a red light is a serious traffic violation under ARS 28-645, punishable by significant fines and potential license suspension. When a red light violation results in serious injury or death, the driver may face both criminal charges (such as aggravated assault or vehicular manslaughter) and civil liability. Courts often view running a red light as evidence of negligence per se, meaning the violation itself establishes breach of duty in civil cases. Injured parties can typically recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. If the driver was operating a commercial vehicle, their employer may also face liability under respondeat superior doctrine. Arizona's two-year statute of limitations applies to personal injury claims arising from such accidents, though prosecutors may pursue criminal charges independently. Typically a Phoenix car accident lawyer will handle the resulting personal injury claim.