Fatal Semi-Truck Collision Claims Life on I-10 at 51st Avenue in Phoenix

A tragic collision between a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle late Monday night resulted in one fatality near the intersection of Interstate 10 and 51st Avenue in Phoenix, Arizona. Emergency crews responded to the scene after receiving reports of a serious crash involving a commercial vehicle and a passenger car. The male driver of the passenger vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders. Phoenix Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances that led to the fatal collision. The incident prompted significant traffic disruptions continuing into early Tuesday morning, with authorities implementing closures of both the eastbound and westbound I-10 on- and off-ramps at 51st Avenue. Additionally, the 51st Avenue overpass was shut down as investigators worked to process the crash scene and collect evidence.

Location and Infrastructure

The collision occurred at a major transportation hub in western Phoenix where 51st Avenue crosses Interstate 10, one of Arizona's primary east-west corridors. This interchange experiences heavy commercial traffic due to its proximity to several industrial parks and distribution centers in the area. The 51st Avenue overpass serves as a crucial north-south connector for local traffic, particularly for businesses in the industrial corridor between Van Buren Street and Buckeye Road. The intersection features standard highway entrance and exit ramps with traffic signals controlling access to 51st Avenue. The area is known for high volumes of truck traffic, especially during nighttime hours when many logistics operations are active.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Arizona law, fatal motor vehicle accidents involving commercial vehicles are subject to specific regulations and investigation protocols. Surviving family members may have the right to pursue wrongful death claims within Arizona's two-year statute of limitations. These cases often involve multiple parties, including trucking companies, insurance carriers, and potentially other entities responsible for vehicle maintenance or road conditions. Compensation may be available for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. Commercial vehicle accidents fall under both state and federal regulations, including Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines. Insurance considerations typically involve commercial liability policies, which often carry higher coverage limits than standard auto insurance. A Phoenix truck accident attorney will handle all aspects of the personal injury claim.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Phoenix Police Department Traffic Investigation Unit: (602) 262-6151
• Phoenix Fire Department: (602) 495-5555
• Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office: (602) 506-3322

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Safety Information: azdot.gov/safety
• Arizona Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance: azcvsa.org

Support Services:

• Arizona Crime Victims' Rights: azag.gov/criminal/victim-services
• ADOT Critical Incident Support Hotline: 1-800-367-8939
• Valley Hope Grief Support Services: (602) 249-5785

Legal References:

• Arizona Revised Statutes Title 28 (Transportation): azleg.gov/arstitle/
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations: fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations