(Tucson, AZ) Hershel Ellsworth Adams, 27, died five days after a motorcycle collision involving a left-turning car near Kolb and Irvington roads.
On October 22, at approximately 11:45 a.m., Tucson Police Department officers responded to the intersection of Kolb Road and Irvington Road. Adams’ motorcycle and a car attempting a left turn collided, according to police. Following the crash, Adams was transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. Several days later, he died on October 27.
Officers determined that the car’s driver was not impaired and Adams was wearing a helmet at the time of the collision. Investigators are evaluating the traffic signal’s condition when the crash occurred and are asking anyone with information to contact police.
Legal Overview of the Irvington Road Collision
The left turn and the traffic signal are connected parts of the right-of-way question. The signal review should help investigators determine what instructions each driver faced when entering the intersection.
Arizona Revised Statutes 28-772 requires a driver turning left to yield to opposing traffic already within the intersection or close enough to present an immediate hazard. That rule concerns the timing of the turn relative to an approaching vehicle, rather than assigning responsibility solely because a left turn occurred.
Traffic signals carry additional requirements under Arizona Revised Statutes 28-645. A green arrow permits the indicated movement with caution, while a steady red generally requires a stop. The statute also requires drivers approaching an inoperative signal to stop before entering and proceed only when safe. Police are evaluating the signal; they have not announced that it malfunctioned.
Support for Adams’ Family
Contact Tucson police to obtain the case number for the Irvington Road collision and identify the investigator handling the signal review. Direct any witness information or original recordings to that investigator, particularly footage showing the lights before impact. Keeping the full recording preserves the sequence investigators need to compare with the vehicles’ movements.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
