Fatal Hit-and-Run Claims Pedestrian's Life at 7th Street and McDowell in Central Phoenix
Man dead, suspect at large after hit-and-run crash Friday night near 7th Street and McDowell Road
Police believe the man was crossing the street in a crosswalk, but against the light, when he was struck.
A deadly hit-and-run collision claimed the life of an unidentified male pedestrian late Friday night at a major intersection in central Phoenix. The incident occurred just after 11:30 PM at the intersection of 7th Street and McDowell Road, where preliminary investigations indicate the victim was using a marked crosswalk but crossing against the traffic signal. Phoenix Police Department responded to emergency calls reporting a pedestrian-involved crash. Upon arrival, officers found the male victim suffering from severe injuries. Despite rapid emergency medical response and transport to a nearby hospital, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. The driver responsible for the collision fled the scene before law enforcement arrived, and investigators have not yet released any description of the suspect vehicle or its operator. The Phoenix Police Department's vehicular crimes unit is actively investigating the incident.
Location and Infrastructure
The intersection of 7th Street and McDowell Road represents one of central Phoenix's major arterial crossings, situated in a bustling area that sees significant vehicular and pedestrian traffic throughout the day and night. This vital junction connects the historic Garfield neighborhood with the medical and business district surrounding Phoenix Children's Hospital. The intersection features standard traffic signals with dedicated pedestrian crosswalks and crossing signals on all four corners. Both 7th Street and McDowell Road are multi-lane thoroughfares that serve as primary commuter routes, with posted speed limits of 35 mph. The area is well-lit and features numerous commercial establishments that contribute to steady pedestrian activity, particularly during evening hours.
Legal Rights and Considerations
Under Arizona law (A.R.S. § 28-661), leaving the scene of a fatal accident is a Class 2 felony, carrying severe criminal penalties. While preliminary reports indicate the pedestrian may have been crossing against the signal, this does not absolve the driver of their legal obligation to remain at the scene. Arizona's wrongful death statute (A.R.S. § 12-612) allows surviving family members to pursue civil claims within two years of the incident. Potential compensation may include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future earnings, and loss of companionship. In hit-and-run cases, victims' families may be eligible for compensation through their own uninsured motorist coverage or the state's victim compensation program. The comparative negligence laws in Arizona may affect any potential settlement but do not necessarily preclude recovery. An experienced Phoenix wrongful death lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.
Related Resources
- Phoenix Police Department Traffic Investigation Unit: (602) 262-6151
- Phoenix Fire Department Emergency Services
- Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety
- Maricopa County Attorney's Office Victim Services Division
- Arizona Department of Transportation Safety and Traffic Resources
- Phoenix Families for Safe Streets
- Arizona Victim Compensation Program
- MADD Arizona Chapter - Victim Support Services
- Arizona State Legislature - Title 28 (Transportation) Laws
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