Adam Bates, 37, killed in collision on 43rd Avenue in Phoenix, Arizona

Fatal Multi-Vehicle Collision on 43rd Avenue in Phoenix Claims One Life, Results in Felony Charges

A tragic three-vehicle crash in Phoenix on Thursday evening resulted in the death of 37-year-old Adam Bates and led to multiple felony charges against 46-year-old Richard McKinney. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on 43rd Avenue near its intersection with Northern Avenue in northwest Phoenix. According to Phoenix Police, McKinney was traveling northbound in an SUV when he collided with another vehicle also heading north. The impact caused the struck vehicle to spin into southbound lanes, where it was hit by a third vehicle. Bates, who was a passenger in the initially struck vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene. Three adults and a teenage girl involved in the collision were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. Following medical evaluation, McKinney was arrested and booked into jail on multiple charges including manslaughter, aggravated assault, and endangerment.

Location and Infrastructure - The collision occurred along 43rd Avenue, a major north-south arterial road in Phoenix's northwest corridor. The intersection with Northern Avenue is a high-traffic junction that serves as a crucial connection point between residential neighborhoods and commercial districts. This section of 43rd Avenue typically experiences heavy traffic flow during evening hours, with multiple lanes in each direction and designated turn lanes at the intersection. The area is surrounded by established neighborhoods and retail developments, with multiple bus stops and pedestrian crossings nearby. Standard traffic signals and street lighting are present at this major intersection.

Legal Rights and Considerations - Under Arizona law, victims of motor vehicle accidents and their families have specific legal rights regarding compensation for injuries, damages, and wrongful death. Arizona follows a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims arising from auto accidents. Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in cases of fatality, funeral expenses and loss of companionship. Arizona's comparative negligence laws allow victims to seek compensation even if partially at fault for an accident. In cases involving criminal charges, victims and their families may have additional rights through the criminal justice system, including victim compensation programs and the right to be heard during criminal proceedings. An experienced Phoenix personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources:

• Phoenix Police Department Traffic Investigation Unit
• Phoenix Fire Department Emergency Services
• Maricopa County Attorney's Office Victim Services Division
• Arizona Department of Transportation Safety Resources
• Arizona State Bar Association Legal Referral Service
• Phoenix-area Trauma Support Groups
• Arizona Department of Public Safety Accident Reports
• Maricopa County Superior Court Victim Advocacy Program