Daniel Cohn Killed in Peoria Car Accident
Westbound vehicle crossed center line on State Route 74, striking two eastbound cars
Daniel Cohn, 81, of Chandler, was killed in a three-vehicle crash on State Route 74 near New River Road in Peoria on Friday, according to police.
A westbound vehicle crossed the center line around 9:47 a.m. and struck two eastbound cars.
Cohn, who was riding in one of the vehicles, died from his injuries. Two other people were taken to local hospitals for treatment.
Police ruled out impairment as a factor, though the investigation into why the driver drifted into oncoming traffic continues.
Why did the vehicle cross the center line on State Route 74?
In car accidents such as this, investigators look at driver distraction, medical emergencies, and vehicle malfunctions when impairment is ruled out.
Cristina Perez, a national legal analyst for Accident News and attorney at Perez Law Group, said, "Fatal crashes often happen when speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impaired driving combine with poor visibility or bad weather. These dangers create sudden, overwhelming risks that leave families facing devastating loss."
How common are fatal crossover collisions in Arizona?
"An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened, and an attorney can preserve crucial evidence and guide families through complex insurance matters," explained Gabe Miller, a national legal analyst for Accident News and an attorney at Perez Law Group.
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, the state saw 1,228 traffic deaths in 2024. Head-on and crossover collisions frequently result in severe trauma due to the combined speeds of the vehicles involved.
Arizona wrongful death statute
Under A.R.S. § 12-611, surviving family members of a person killed in a traffic collision may file a wrongful death action in Arizona. The state applies pure comparative fault when determining liability. The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is 2 years from the date of death.
Recoverable damages under Arizona's wrongful death statute may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship and consortium, funeral and burial expenses, and the decedent's pre-death pain and suffering. Arizona law designates specific parties — typically a surviving spouse, children, or parents — as eligible to bring a wrongful death action.