DUI Car Crash Kills Local Phoenix Man
- Home /
- DUI Car Crash Kills Local Phoenix Man
Drugs and alcohol likely played a role in a tragic, two-vehicle accident in Phoenix early Wednesday morning that left one man dead and another behind bars. The victim’s family may file a wrongful death lawsuit, as their loved one lost their life as a result of another motorist’s reckless driving.
According to Phoenix Police Lieutenant, Emilien Sapon, a full-size pickup truck being driven by an allegedly intoxicated 36-year-old man, James Coughenour, slammed into a sports car driven by a 21-year-old local man. Coughenour was traveling down 41st Avenue when he abruptly turned left onto Union Hills Drive, striking the sports car.
Coughenour’s pickup truck hit the sports car with such force that it caused the car to spin out of control and hit a streetlight pole. When officers and first responders arrived at the scene, they found the sports car wrapped completely around the light pole.
The driver of the sports car had to be extracted from the vehicle via the Jaws of Life, which is a hydraulic device used by emergency responders to pry apart wrecked vehicles in order to free someone who is trapped inside.
Once freed, the victim was taken to a nearby hospital. Shortly thereafter, he succumbed to his injuries and passed. Coughenour refused any medical treatment.
Phoenix police stated they have reason to believe Coughenour was under the influence of drugs or alcohol when his truck collided with the victim’s sports car at about 11:30 a.m. Wednesday morning.
While being evaluated by law enforcement officials, Coughenour exhibited suspicious signs of impairment and has since been taken to jail for alleged vehicular manslaughter.
The Phoenix Police Vehicular Crimes Unit spent the majority of the day Wednesday investigating the scene of the accident.
If you have sustained injuries due to another motorist’s reckless or negligent driving, or if you have lost a loved one due to an auto accident wrongful death, contact the Phoenix-area car accident attorneys at Phillips Law Group today. Consulting with our experienced Phoenix injury lawyers immediately after a car accident can help ensure you get the compensation and justice you deserve.
Do not delay. Call 1-800-706-3000 or fill out our FREE Case Review Form above.
Free Case Evaluation
By submitting your contact information, you agree that we may contact you by telephone (including text) and email in accordance with our Terms and Privacy Policy

Your message has been sent
Thank you for your message, we will get back to you soon.
Categories:
- Auto Accidents
- Business Litigation
- Class Action Lawsuits
- Defective Drug
- Defective Products
- Employee Rights
- Employment Law
- Firm News
- Local
- Medical Malpractice
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Nursing Home Abuse
- Pedestrian Accident
- Personal Injury
- Premises Liability
- Product Liability
- Slip and Fall
- Social Security Disability
- Workers' Compensation
- Wrongful Death
-
Phillips law group is the best around!
-
I would like to thank Vanessa Rodriguez for helping me with my case because I was in total shock about the accident. She had listened to all my concerns and had answered every question I had . She was great !!!
-
I would have no hesitation at all recommending Phillips Law Group. In particular, Juan Roque has impressed me with his professionalism, his integrity and his heart for the community!
-
I have been with Phillips Law Group for a little over a year and I have learned what teamwork and family in a workplace looks like. There is always someone around to lend a helping hand, which is something I appreciate and cherish. I feel a sense of joy coming to work every day because of my co-workers as well as being able to help people in what can be a scary and stressful situation. I currently work as a Litigation Legal Assistant with an amazing team. When I started here, I was not very knowledgeable in personal injury. I was lucky to have been placed with an amazing team who was willing to take time to teach and pass on some great skills that have been a huge aid in helping me be successful in my position. I would recommend working here at Phillips Law Group, because they care about their employees and there is so much room for growth.
-
I just wanted to thank Phillips law Group and Vanessa Rodriguez for all the help that she did for my daughter’s case. She was involved in her first accident and she needed the help to deal with these adjusters. Thank you again.
-
PLG is the best! Highly recommend. Love that they do so much to help the community.
-
Phillips Law Group is a company that has taught me so many things. Here your work, your dedication, effort and discipline are valued, in addition to the fact that, as a woman, as an immigrant and as a human being, I have been given value and empowerment. We are a successful law firm because all workers feel part of a great family. I am very proud and honored to work at Phillips Law Group.
-
Liz Gonzales was great!!!!
-
I would like to send special thanks to Phillips Law Group for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the Best Law Firm here in the Valley. During these troubling times with the epidemic, Phillips Law Group has masterfully created this family-like environment while still maintaining a professional and business-like approach for all their clients. Thru impeccable leadership that is unmatched by other law firms to the Multi-diverse employment opportunities that many employees advance within the firm; Phillips Law Group has not only distanced themselves from all other competition in the Personal Injury field but also has innovatively changed the narrative of being a great law institution. From providing Employee Appreciation Day to celebrating all major Holiday including great competitive contests; Phillips Law Group has the total participation of all employees to help contribute to the continued success of this firm. So in closing I would like to thank Senior Administration (Jeffery Phillips, Eva Chiaramonte, and Tim Tonkin) along with all of my colleagues and many friends for help making Phillips Law Group a unique and wonderful place to call my place of employment for 6+ years.
-
Phillips Law Group has a proven track record of success. Juan Roque, in particular, is integral to that. He works with integrity, compassion, and an undefeated optimism that makes him a valuable asset.